Exploring the link between statins and smoking cessation

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors
N. Aghajani
H. Azizi
S. Semnanian
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern despite established cessation programs and their limited success rates. This persistent struggle compels us to explore innovative solutions. This review examines the potential of statins, the cholesterol-lowering medications, as a novel weapon in the fight against smoking addiction.

Statins might offer a novel intervention for smoking cessation by potentially addressing two key aspects of addiction, inflammation, and the reward system. Addiction is often linked to chronic brain inflammation. Statins, with their potential anti-inflammatory properties, could dampen this inflammatory response, potentially weakening the addictive cycle of smoking. Additionally, they might influence the brain's reward system, which plays a crucial role in nicotine dependence. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter heavily involved in reward processing, is a key player. Nicotine triggers dopamine release, leading to pleasurable sensations that reinforce smoking behavior. This review suggests that statins might also modulate dopamine signaling, potentially reducing the pleasurable effects of nicotine, and reducing cravings.

Keywords

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Pathobiology Reserach
Volume 25, Issue 4
October 2022
Pages 31-35