Scientists from South Korea have found a new way to combat smoking

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, causing diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, more than 22% of people on the planet smoke, and the habit claims more than 8 million lives each year.

Scientists from South Korea have proposed a new approach to treating tobacco dependence. The study showed that procyclidine, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, can alleviate physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including tremors and decreased mobility. This was reported by Hye-In Im of the Brain Disease Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology.

The discovery could provide an alternative to drugs such as bupropion and varenicline, which are now used to treat smoking addiction. Nicotine affects acetylcholine receptors in the brain, and suppressing cholinergic interneurons can restore dopamine levels.

This neurotransmitter, known as the “happy hormone,” promotes feelings of satisfaction, and its deficiency causes cravings for smoking in those trying to quit. Restoring dopamine levels can significantly alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reports Pravda.Ru.

Earlier, the lawyer assessed the possibility at the state level to defeat smoking in Russia. Also doctor-oncologist said that the smoking of the husband three times increases the risk of the wife to get lung cancer.

Author: Наталья Чудесатова