A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has revealed that a drug created to treat diabetes and obesity could also hold promise in helping individuals overcome nicotine addiction, a report shared by Medical Xpress tells us.
This discovery could have significant implications for public health, as smoking remains one of the greatest threats worldwide, causing numerous fatalities each year.
Smoking Hazards Remain a Threat to Many
According to the Danish Health Authority, a staggering 15,920 Danes lose their lives annually due to their addiction to cigarettes. With well-known health risks associated with smoking, 75% of smokers express a desire to quit.
However, nicotine addiction presents a formidable obstacle, as it is considered one of the most highly addictive substances.
Addressing Nicotine Addiction
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than eight million people annually. More than 7 million of these deaths are attributable to direct tobacco use, while approximately 1.2 million are linked to secondhand smoking.
How are nicotine addictions addressed? Experts tell us that nicotine addiction can be treated with a combination of medications and behavioral counseling.
However, most medications cater to withdrawal symptoms and do not directly help the user quit nicotine. This study conducted at the University of Copenhagen may change that.
An Accidental Treatment for Nicotine Dependence
While researching overweight mice, the scientists accidentally discovered that liraglutide, a well-known drug used to treat diabetes and obesity, had an impact on the brain's response to nicotine.
Liraglutide was found to inhibit the effect of nicotine on the brain's reward system, potentially reducing cravings for the addictive substance.
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Associate Professor Christoffer Clemmensen, the lead author of the study, explains that both GLP-1 (a hormone) and nicotine influence the brain's reward system.
Nicotine releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, thereby making it challenging for individuals to quit nicotine products.
The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, focused on GLP-1 and nicotine as appetite inhibitors. The researchers already knew that nicotine increases energy expenditure, and many individuals who quit smoking experience weight gain.
Interestingly, when GLP-1 and nicotine were combined, they appeared to promote weight loss while reducing nicotine cravings. Numerous ongoing clinical trials are exploring whether GLP-1-based drugs can aid smoking cessation.
More Important Findings
The research team collaborated with brain researchers at the University of Copenhagen to study the interaction between GLP-1 and nicotine in specific parts of the brain.
They found that the combination of the two substances had a more substantial impact on the body than either substance alone. GLP-1 not only affected food intake but also reduced dopamine release, leading to reduced nicotine cravings.
While the researchers are not currently planning clinical trials of GLP-1-based drugs and nicotine, they hope that their findings will inspire pharmaceutical companies to explore the potential of this area further.
This groundbreaking study offers hope for smokers struggling to quit by presenting a potential new avenue for treatment.
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