From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-565346-739668
LOS ANGELES (UPI) -- U.S. researchers suggest nicotine may be a reason
smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles and
Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif., said the
studies in animals found nicotine promotes insulin resistance -- a
prediabetic condition where blood-sugar levels are above normal.
Other studies show people with prediabetes are at greater risk of
developing stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
The researchers studied the effects of twice-daily injections of
nicotine on 24 adult mice during a two-week period.
"Our results in mice show that nicotine administration leads to both
weight loss and decreased food intake," study researcher Theodore
Friedman of Charles Drew University said in a statement. "Mice exposed
to nicotine have less fat. In spite of this, mice have abnormal
glucose tolerance and are insulin resistant."
In the tests, the mice receiving nicotine also had high levels of the
stress hormone cortisol, which increases blood pressure and blood
sugar.
"Our results suggest that decreasing insulin resistance may reduce the
heart disease seen in smokers," Friedman said.
The study was presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st annual meeting
in Washington.