Tobacco.org

Nicotine affects immune system, study says 

A University of Louisville research team has found that nicotine makes people more prone to infections and inflammation -- a finding particularly relevant in a state that consistently has some of the highest smoking rates in the nation.

The study, published today in the journal Cell Biology, was led by U of L oral health researcher David Scott, who worked with a team of international colleagues.

The study says nicotine affects the production of a type of white blood cell, which is produced in bone marrow and defends against infection and disease. Researchers found that nicotine-tainted cells were less able to seek and destroy bacteria than normal cells, and that nicotine suppresses an important cell function that helps kill invading bacteria. Nicotine also increases levels of a substance that promotes the breakdown of healthy tissues, the researchers said.

Jump to full article »