Tobacco smoking and the diseases of pancreas
Sliwińska-Mossoń, M.; Milnerowicz, H.
Przeglad Lekarski 62(10): 1163-1166
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2240 PMID: 16521980 Document Number: 588197
Several diseases of the pancreas are related to smoking. It has been known for years that smoking increases the risk of the development of cancer, chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. It may also contribute to the development of pancreatolithiasis. It has been demonstrated in the literature that nicotine, acetaldehyde, and cyanamid may alter pancreatic secretion by modifying pancreatic juice constituents and by secreting bicarbonates and proteins. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that nicotine has been caused histopathological changes in the pancreas, which may cause its egzo- and endocrine dysfunction. In his review, certain mechanisms of nicotine operation and the influence of tobacco smoking on the function of pancreas have been discussed.