Nicotine Addiction and Psychological Stress: a Case-control Study Among the Unemployed North Indians

Background: In India, nicotine addiction causes a huge socio-economic burden, mortality, and morbidity. Chronic intake develops a variety of symptoms and life-long medical complications. The study aims to examine the nicotine-induced effects on cellular oxidative stress and psychological stress and its correlations with homocysteine (Hcy) concentration in nicotine-addicted respondents. Methods & Results: Nicotine-induced psychological stress was assessed through perceived stress scales (PSS) and coping self-efficacy (CSE) scales and oxidative stress was estimated through the markers- Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase. We found significantly higher (p=0.0001) perceived stress (PS) with diminished CSE in addicted respondents whereas low PS with significantly increased (p=0.0001) CSE were observed in non-addicted. In erythrocytes (RBCs), MDA content was found significantly increased (p=0.0006) in the nicotine-addicted group that may cause oxidative damage. SOD activity was significantly decreased (p=0.0001) in the addicted group. Similarly, plasma Catalase activity was also decreased (p=0.02). Nicotine intake influences Hcy concentration, by 55%, 27.5%, and 7.5% in addicted respondents categorized as moderate, intermediate, and severe Hcy categories. Conclusions: The minimal short-term nicotine consumption has the antioxidant role that promotes positive stimulus on memory and triggers executive functions but the same gets impaired and mitigated on chronic exposure. Chronic nicotine consumption induces oxidative stress and perceived psychological stress as well as influences the Homocysteine concentration in the addicted individuals. Higher oxidative stress impairs cellular defensive mechanisms and causes the risk for severe damage to cells and tissues.