Misc Hidden MAOIs in tobacco smoke. For all us smokers.

[GeisterxFahrer]

We have always been taught that smoking is bad for you, but new research shows that nicotine "is not significantly addictive when administered alone. The addictive potential manifests itself after co administration of an [Monoamine oxidase inhibitor]... tobacco contains a naturally-occurring MAOI in addition to the nicotine" (Villégier AS et Al). "Recently, positron emission tomography imaging has shown that smokers have a much lower activity of peripheral and brain MAO-A (30%) and -B (40%) isozymes compared to non-smokers. This MAO inhibition results from a pharmacological effect ...of smoke, but little is known about its mechanism", (Chaparro, H). MAOIs have a "potentially lethal dietary and drug interactions", (Mayo Clinic); Therefore, it is not so much the nicotine itself that is addictive, but the fact that every time you smoke you are dosing yourself with a potent MAOI</span> thus the reason smoking secession is so difficult, you are not having nicotine withdrawal, but rather and anti-depressant withdrawal because "MAOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A preferentially deaminates serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. MAO-B preferentially deaminates phenylethylamine and trace amines. Dopamine is equally deaminated by both types. Many formulations have forms of fluoride attached to assist in permeating the blood-brain barrier, which is suspected as a factor in pineal gland effects", (Drugs.com). "The chemicals in tobacco smoke that are MAOIs are norharman, anabasine, anatabine, and nornicotine"(Chappero). "Technically, nicotine is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. However, after coadministration with an MAOI, such as those found in tobacco, nicotine produces significant behavioral sensitization, a measure of addiction potential (Guillem K).
In conclusion, nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, etc are not valuable tools for the most part and also why certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) i.e. Fluoxetine, Venlafaxine, Paroxetine, etc, can be an invaluable aide in smoking secession. In conclusion, it is not just your respiratory system that you need to worry about, it is also damaging your brain and possibly more in your central nervous system.

 

[sekio]

I believe there are other harmala alkaloids in tobacco that are also active MAO-I's.

This helps explain why nicotine patches and gum don't always work.

 

[GeisterxFahrer]

I agree, I was actually working on expanding this article but it got cut short by another project.

 

[Putingrad]

Interesting... I would be very curious to see a survey, anecdotally or otherwise, of the incidence of negative experiences of smokers vs. non-smokers when using drugs metabolized by MAO. Perhaps some negative physical experiences can be somewhat explained by this?

 

[GeisterxFahrer]

There is definitely so much more research that can be one on this topic, not to mention new medications that could be created to help smokers quit. When they quit cold turkey its like coming off an antidepressant which is never recommended.