Cigarette smoke causes metabolic problems in passive smokers and promotes the development of insulin resistance, which results in weight gain, reports the American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Researchers from Brigham Young University (USA) have established that secondhand smoke may contribute to obesity – especially in the so-called second-hand smokers.
Researchers exposed laboratory mice to cigarette smoke and observed changes in metabolic processes.
They found that cigarette smoke affected ceramides (organic chemicals from the lipid group), which interfered with the work of mitochondria in cells. This led to disruption of normal cell function and decreased insulin sensitivity. As a result, all the rodents gained weight.
“If someone develops insulin resistance, their body needs more insulin, and each time insulin levels rise, fat is stored in the body,” explains researcher Paul Reynolds.
Fortunately, scientists have found that blocking ceramides (e.g. with myriocin) prevents metabolic problems in passive smokers – in this case, mice – although eating a sugar-rich diet unfortunately counteracts this effect.
Now, researchers are looking to find a ceramide-inhibiting drug that is safe for humans. (PAP)