A new study now suggests that nicotine might promote the development of cancer cells in the body. The study indicates that nicotine inhibits the body's ability to destroy cells with defects in their genetic code. When a cell becomes too old or if defects in its DNA occur, it is programmed to stop dividing and die. When nicotine is present in blood and lung tissue, it seems to be able to make cells neglect this programming and thereby force their survival; this could be the start of cancer.
If this piece of news holds water, it reflects very badly on the very widely used nicotine patches and -gums.
Reference:
West KA et al. Rapid Akt activation by nicotine and a tobacco carcinogen modulates the phenotype of normal human airway epithelial cells. J. Clin. Invest. 111:81-90 (2003).
