The main focus of the present proposal is to understand the pharmacologic basis for differences in individual susceptibility to tobacco addiction and adverse health consequences of smoking. We propose to continue a program combining analytical and synthetic chemistry and clinical investigation, focusing on the metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of nicotine. Chemistry studies will include (a) developing methodology for quantitative analysis of tobacco alkaloids and metabolites and applying these methods to qualitatively and quantitatively define pathways of metabolism in humans; (b) synthesis of tobacco alkaloids and stereoisomers, metabolites and deuterium-labeled analogs for pharmacologic and metabolic studies, and (c) developing GC-MS assays for nicotine metabolites for stable isotope studies of nicotine metabolic disposition. Clinical studies will pursue the observation that habitual smokers regulate body levels of nicotine, testing the hypothesis that the rate of nicotine metabolism is an important determinant of individual differences in tobacco smoking behavior. Using stable isotope methodology, the kinetics of nicotine and cotinine and its relationship to daily intake of nicotine from smoking will be compared in various population groups. These include men and women, older and younger people, different racial groups (caucasians, blacks, hispanics and asians), and in heavy vs. light vs. nonsmokers. As different patterns of metabolism yielding different levels of active metabolites could contribute to individual differences, we will study the metabolism, disposition kinetics and pharmacologic effects of nicotine metabolites. Initially, we will study trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (3-HC); in future studies, the glucuronides of nicotine, cotinine and 3-HC as well as other metabolites. Since 3-HC is the major metabolite of nicotine, we will examine the utility of 3-HC as a biomarker of nicotine intake from tobacco. Environmental factors could affect nicotine metabolism. To begin to explore the nature of such influences, we will study the effects of phenobarbital, known to affect nicotine metabolism in animals, on nicotine and cotinine clearance as well as self-determined intake of nicotine from tobacco. We will explore the nature and mechanisms of differential tolerance to cardiovascular and metabolic effects of nicotine observed in light vs. heavy smokers. Using a computer- controlled infusion pump, we will determine quantitative parameters of tolerance to nicotine in individuals, and examine the influence of glucocorticoids on the sensitivity and development of tolerance to nicotine. To examine the hypothesis that subjective and cardiovascular consequences of nicotine are more pronounced with a rapid vs. low rate of dosing of nicotine, we will conduct a crossover study comparing the effects of cigarette smoking, transdermal nicotine (slow release) and nicotine nasal spray (rapid release). The proposed studies will clarify factors determining individual differences in tobacco consumption and effects, and may lead to more patient-specific and effective ways of treating tobacco addiction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37DA002277-22
Application #
6175040
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (NSS)
Program Officer
Rapaka, Rao
Project Start
1979-03-01
Project End
2003-06-30
Budget Start
2000-07-01
Budget End
2001-06-30
Support Year
22
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$511,371
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
073133571
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143
Taghavi, Taraneh; St Helen, Gideon; Benowitz, Neal L et al. (2017) Effect of UGT2B10, UGT2B17, FMO3, and OCT2 genetic variation on nicotine and cotinine pharmacokinetics and smoking in African Americans. Pharmacogenet Genomics 27:143-154
Gubner, Noah R; Kozar-Konieczna, Aleksandra; Szoltysek-Boldys, Izabela et al. (2016) Cessation of alcohol consumption decreases rate of nicotine metabolism in male alcohol-dependent smokers. Drug Alcohol Depend 163:157-64
Benowitz, Neal L; St Helen, Gideon; Dempsey, Delia A et al. (2016) Disposition kinetics and metabolism of nicotine and cotinine in African American smokers: impact of CYP2A6 genetic variation and enzymatic activity. Pharmacogenet Genomics 26:340-50
Chiou, Rocco; Lambon Ralph, Matthew A (2016) Task-Related Dynamic Division of Labor Between Anterior Temporal and Lateral Occipital Cortices in Representing Object Size. J Neurosci 36:4662-8
Ross, Kathryn C; Dempsey, Delia A; St Helen, Gideon et al. (2016) The Influence of Puff Characteristics, Nicotine Dependence, and Rate of Nicotine Metabolism on Daily Nicotine Exposure in African American Smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 25:936-43
Benowitz, Neal L; Nardone, Natalie; Dains, Katherine M et al. (2015) Effect of reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes on cigarette smoking behavior and tobacco smoke toxicant exposure: 2-year follow up. Addiction 110:1667-75
Wassenaar, Catherine A; Conti, David V; Das, Soma et al. (2015) UGT1A and UGT2B genetic variation alters nicotine and nitrosamine glucuronidation in european and african american smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 24:94-104
St Helen, Gideon; Jacob 3rd, Peyton; Benowitz, Neal L (2013) Stability of the nicotine metabolite ratio in smokers of progressively reduced nicotine content cigarettes. Nicotine Tob Res 15:1939-42
Dempsey, D A; Sambol, N C; Jacob 3rd, P et al. (2013) CYP2A6 genotype but not age determines cotinine half-life in infants and children. Clin Pharmacol Ther 94:400-6
St Helen, Gideon; Dempsey, Delia; Wilson, Margaret et al. (2013) Racial differences in the relationship between tobacco dependence and nicotine and carcinogen exposure. Addiction 108:607-17

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