Nicotine's Impact on Aortic Health: A Gender Perspective

Nicotine, a key component in cigarettes, has been linked to abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This condition is more common in smokers, and surprisingly, women might face a higher risk than men. Researchers wanted to understand how nicotine affects AAAs in both males and females. They used mice to study this, focusing on how sex hormones play a role. The study involved male and female mice with a specific genetic makeup. These mice were given a hormone called angiotensin II (AngII), with or without nicotine. Some mice underwent surgery to remove their reproductive organs, either testes in males or ovaries in females. This helped researchers see how sex hormones might influence the effects of nicotine. The results showed that nicotine increased the risk of aortic rupture in male mice more than in females. When the testes were removed, the incidence of AAAs decreased in males, but there was little change in females. This suggests that testosterone, the primary male hormone, might play a significant role in how nicotine affects AAAs. The study also looked at how nicotine is processed in the body. It found that females and mice that had their reproductive organs removed processed nicotine differently. This could explain why nicotine's effects vary between males and females. Another interesting finding was how nicotine and sex hormones affect certain proteins in the aorta. Nicotine increased the production of a protein called MMP2 in male mice, but not in females. Testosterone also increased MMP2 in male aortic cells, while estrogen, the primary female hormone, had no such effect. The research highlights the complex interplay between nicotine, sex hormones, and aortic health. It suggests that testosterone might make males more susceptible to nicotine-induced AAAs. This is important because it shows how gender differences can influence the impact of smoking on health. Understanding these differences could lead to better treatments and prevention strategies. For instance, therapies that target specific hormones or proteins could be more effective in certain groups. It also underscores the need for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual's unique characteristics, including their gender.