Adverse Effects of Cigarette and Noncigarette Smoke Exposure on the Autonomic Nervous System

Abstract

This review summarizes the detrimental effects of cigarette and noncigarette emission exposure on autonomic function, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of acute and chronic modulation of the sympathetic nervous system. We propose that the nicotine and fine particulate matter in tobacco smoke lead to increased sympathetic nerve activity, which becomes persistent via a positive feedback loop between sympathetic nerve activity and reactive oxidative species. Furthermore, we propose that baroreflex suppression of sympathetic activation is attenuated in habitual smokers; that is, the baroreflex plays a permissive role, allowing sympathoexcitation to occur without restraint in the setting of increased pressor response. This model is also applicable to other nontobacco cigarette emission exposures (e.g., marijuana, waterpipes [hookahs], electronic cigarettes, and even air pollution). Fortunately, emerging data suggest that baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic function may be restored after smoking cessation, providing further evidence in support of the health benefits of smoking cessation.

Influence of Time and Frequency of Passive Smoking Exposure on Mucociliary Clearance and the Autonomic Nervous System

“…12,28 This mechanism is associated with the action of nicotine, present in cigarette smoke, which is responsible for promoting sympathetic activation with the release of catecholamines, which cause acute and chronic cardiovascular effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, in addition to increased oxygen demand and overload in the myocardium. 2,4 SBP ϭ systolic blood pressure DBP ϭ diastolic blood pressure COex ϭ carbon monoxide in exhaled air COHb ϭ carboxyhemoglobin STT ϭ saccharin transit time SDNN ϭ SD of normal to normal breathing frequency intervals, expressed in ms RMSSD ϭ root mean square of successive differences between adjacent normal breathing frequency intervals for a period of time, expressed in ms LF ϭ low frequency nu ϭ normalized unit HF ϭ high frequency SD1 ϭ SD of the instantaneous variability beat to beat SD2 ϭ SD of the long-term variability…”

“…3,4 There are about 5,000 toxic chemicals in each cigarette. The majority of these components are inhaled by nonsmokers exposed to cigarette smoke and can reach the small airways of the respiratory tract due to the size of the particles in the smoke (0.1-0.5 m).…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] The effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on mucociliary clearance and autonomic nervous systems in passive smokers has been investigated; these systems are considered mechanisms of great importance for the proper functioning of the body. 4,10 The changes in these systems precipitated by active smoking are already established; however, the effects on passive smokers are not yet fully clear.…”

Horizons in the Pharmacotherapy of Obesity

“…The cardiovascular effects of sibutramine that led to its withdrawal as an anti-obesity drug were linked to increased sympathetic activity [3], and the adverse cardiovascular effects of smoking may be due in large part to increased sympathetic activity [93]. The incidence of myocardial infarction increases in cold weather, again potentially due to increased sympathetic activity [94].…”

Acute Mucociliary Clearance Response to Aerobic Exercise in Smokers

“…[49][50][51] The profile of the our sample may have influenced this finding because smoking history exerts an influence on this system. 52 The smoking group consisted of individuals with different intensities of smoking consumption, which may have masked the result, as a light smoker may not exhibit autonomic changes, and influenced the outcome, as heavy smokers may have autonomic dysfunction.…”