Age as a factor in the metabolism of nicotine

Abstract

The two principal oxidative metabolites of nicotine, i,e. cotinine and nicotine-l'-N-oxide, were determined in the urine of eighty-five healthy cigarette smokers of both sexes. Significant statistical correlation was found between the ratio of the cotinine to nicotine-l '-N-oxide excreted, the age of the smoker, and the 24 hour urinary pH. Differentiation of these factors according to smoker's sex was found to be insignificant. Additionally, the level of cigarette consumption did not noticeably effect the cotinine : nicotine-l'-N-oxide ratio.In general, the amount of cotinine excreted diminishes in relation to nicotine-l '-N-oxide for older compared with younger smokers.

Pharmacokinetics of nicotine in healthy elderly people

“…On the basis of findings of diminished urinary excretion of cotinine in relation to nicotine-N-oxide in elderly smokers compared with younger smokers, an agerelated change of nicotine metabolism by means of alternative oxidative processes has been suggested. 38 This study did not show any major differences between healthy adults and elderly healthy subjects in cardiovascular responsiveness to nicotine. Baseline pulse rates were similar in the two groups, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressure were slightly higher in the elderly subjects compared with the adults (139/81 mm Hg and 124/78 mm Hg, respectively).…”

“…Cotinine plasma levels are primarily determined by nicotine dose, 37 and in view of the similarities between the age groups in terms of the secondary pharmacokinetic variables, the higher baseline levels in the elderly subjects may be the result of higher prestudy nicotine intake in this group. On the basis of findings of diminished urinary excretion of cotinine in relation to nicotine‐N‐oxide in elderly smokers compared with younger smokers, an age‐related change of nicotine metabolism by means of alternative oxidative processes has been suggested 38 …”

Gender-specific aspects of epidemiology, molecular genetics and outcome: lung cancer

“…31 32 By contrast, Klein and Gorrod conducted a study on a group of smokers in the UK that found no gender difference in nicotine exposure. 33 These results were confirmed by Rubinstein et al who did not find significant differences either by gender or self-reported hormone use. 34 …”