Mitochondria as a possible target for nicotine action

Abstract

Mitochondria are multifunctional and dynamic organelles deeply integrated into cellular physiology and metabolism. Disturbances in mitochondrial function are involved in several disorders such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and also in the aging process. Nicotine is a natural alkaloid present in the tobacco plant which has been well studied as a constituent of cigarette smoke. It has also been reported to influence mitochondrial function both in vitro and in vivo . This review presents a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge of nicotine action on mitochondrial function. Observed effects of nicotine exposure on the mitochondrial respiratory chain, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and mitophagy are discussed, considering the context of the experimental design. The potential action of nicotine on cellular adaptation and cell survival is also examined through its interaction with mitochondria. Although a large number of studies have demonstrated the impact of nicotine on various mitochondrial activities, elucidating its mechanism of action requires further investigation.

New putative insights into Neprilysin (NEP)-dependent pharmacotherapeutic role of Roflumilast in treating COVID-19

“…Consistent with these findings, it was reported that COVID-19 may be more fatal in the elderly-population than in children, as with increasing the age, there is a gradual decline in the cellular ATP and subsequent ATP-induced cAMP accumulation (Srivastava, 2017). Furthermore, tobacco smokers, who suffer from a decreased content of ATP in immune cells, are also found to be more susceptible for COVID-19 infection (Malińska et al, 2019).…”

Nicotine Changes Airway Epithelial Phenotype and May Increase the SARS-COV-2 Infection Severity

“…As well known, mitochondria express α7-nAChR; nicotine in isolated mitochondria decreases the consumption of O 2 and the mitochondrial membrane potential whereas in intact cells the consumption of O 2 , and the Ca 2+ levels increase. The reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential is linked to ATP reduction [ 92 ]. High levels of cytosolic Ca 2+ concentrations and influx of Ca 2+ into mitochondria sustain viral replication of different respiratory viruses such as RSV, MV RV [ 98 ], and SARS-CoV [ 97 ].…”

Association between mitochondrial DNA content and opium exposure

“…chain and leak of electrons from electron chain and induce oxidative stress by generating ROS that is capable to target several intracellular components including mtDNA. While there is evidence of a substantial increase in oxidative stress attributed to exposure to cigarette smoke, [26,27] there is a limited investigation concerning the impact of cigarette smoke on the mtDNA content especially in disease-free individuals. In our study, cigarette smoking was negatively associated with mitochondrial DNA copy number, but it was not statistically significant likely due to small sample size.…”