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The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Sep 2015Mentholated cigarettes gained popularity in the 1950s and were often marketed as "healthy" cigarettes, attributable to their pleasurable mint flavor and cooling... (Review)
Review
Mentholated cigarettes gained popularity in the 1950s and were often marketed as "healthy" cigarettes, attributable to their pleasurable mint flavor and cooling sensation in the mouth, lungs, and throat. While it is clear that nicotine is the primary psychoactive component in tobacco cigarettes, recent work has suggested that menthol may also play a role in exacerbating smoking behavior, despite original health claims. Recent evidence highlights four distinct biological mechanisms that can alter smoking behavior: 1) menthol acts to reduce the initially aversive experiences associated with tobacco smoking; 2) menthol can serve as a highly reinforcing sensory cue when associated with nicotine and promote smoking behavior; 3) menthol's actions on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may change the reinforcing value of nicotine; and 4) menthol can alter nicotine metabolism, thus increasing nicotine bioavailability. The purpose of this review is to highlight and evaluate potential biological mechanisms by which menthol can alter smoking behavior.
Topics: Animals; Behavior, Addictive; Brain; Drug Synergism; Health Behavior; Humans; Menthol; Models, Biological; Nicotine; Reinforcement, Psychology; Smoking
PubMed: 26339211
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Neuroinflammation Jul 2022No reports exist as to neuroprotective effects associated with topical activation of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a noted cold receptor. In the...
BACKGROUND
No reports exist as to neuroprotective effects associated with topical activation of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a noted cold receptor. In the present study, we identified whether activating peripheral TRPM8 can be an adjuvant therapy for ischemic stroke.
METHODS
Menthol, an agonist of TRPM8, was applied orally or topically to all paws or back of the mouse after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We used Trpm8 gene knockout (Trpm8) mice or TRPM8 antagonist and lidocaine to validate the roles of TRPM8 and peripheral nerve conduction in menthol against ischemic stroke.
RESULTS
Application of menthol 16% to paw derma attenuated infarct volumes and ameliorated sensorimotor deficits in stroke mice induced by MCAO. The benefits of topically applied menthol were associated with reductions in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and infiltration of monocytes and macrophages in ischemic brains. Antagonizing TRPM8 or Trpm8 knockout dulls the neuroprotective effects of topically application of menthol against MCAO. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed significantly higher TRPM8 expression in skin tissue samples obtained from the paws compared with skin from the backs, which was reflected by significantly smaller infarct lesion volumes and better sensorimotor function in mice treated with menthol on the paws compared with the back. Blocking conduction of peripheral nerve in the four paws reversed the neuroprotective effects of topical menthol administrated to paws. On the other hand, oral menthol dosing did not assist with recovery from MCAO in our study.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that activation of peripheral TRPM8 expressed in the derma tissue of limbs with sufficient concentration of menthol is beneficial to stroke recovery. Topical application of menthol on hands and feet could be a novel and simple-to-use therapeutic strategy for stroke patients.
Topics: Animals; Infarction; Ischemic Stroke; Menthol; Mice; Neuroprotective Agents; TRPM Cation Channels
PubMed: 35897101
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02553-4 -
Nature Mar 2023The selective conversion of natural or synthetic neral to (1R,6S)-trans-isopiperitenol would enable and expedite sustainable routes to menthol and cannabinoids. However,...
The selective conversion of natural or synthetic neral to (1R,6S)-trans-isopiperitenol would enable and expedite sustainable routes to menthol and cannabinoids. However, this reaction has been considered impossible because its product is more reactive to the required acid catalysts than its starting material, resulting in several side products. We now show that an unsymmetric, strong and confined chiral acid, a highly fluorinated imino-imidodiphosphate, catalyses this process with excellent efficiency and selectivity. Expanding the method to other α,β-unsaturated aldehydes could enable access to new cannabinoids and menthol derivatives not readily accessible previously. Mechanistic studies suggest that the confined catalyst accomplishes this reaction by binding the product in an unreactive conformation, thereby preventing its decomposition. We also show how (1R,6S)-trans-isopiperitenol can be readily converted to pharmaceutically useful cannabinoids and menthol, each in the shortest and most atom-economic routes so far.
Topics: Cannabinoids; Catalysis; Menthol; Aldehydes; Halogenation; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; Acyclic Monoterpenes
PubMed: 36859552
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05747-9 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2022to map the strategies for managing thirst in postoperative adult patients. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
to map the strategies for managing thirst in postoperative adult patients.
METHODS
scoping review was conducted in October 2021 in 19 data sources: 14 databases and 5 platforms to search in the grey literature. It was prepared according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the checklist of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Nine selected articles were part of the final sample.
RESULTS
there is evidence of strategies to manage postoperative thirst using interventions such as water, ice, mentholated measures, carbohydrate and protein enriched fluid, oral hydrator, flavored gargling, cold gargling, wet gauze, 0.75% citric acid spray, and cold water.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
the strategies observed may be reduced to cold and menthol use, salivary stimulants, and early introduction of fluids. The outcomes were positive in all the studies reviewed.
Topics: Adult; Carbohydrates; Citric Acid; Humans; Ice; Menthol; Research Design; Thirst; Water
PubMed: 36228294
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0154 -
Drug Metabolism and Disposition: the... Dec 2019Menthol, which creates mint flavor and scent, is often added to tobacco in both menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes. A potent tobacco carcinogen,...
Menthol, which creates mint flavor and scent, is often added to tobacco in both menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes. A potent tobacco carcinogen, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), is extensively metabolized to its equally carcinogenic metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) as ()- or ()-NNAL enantiomers. NNAL is detoxified by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, with glucuronidation occurring on either NNAL's pyridine ring nitrogen (NNAL--Gluc) or the chiral alcohol [()- or ()-NNAL--Gluc]. To characterize a potential effect by menthol on NNAL glucuronidation, in vitro menthol glucuronidation assays and menthol inhibition of NNAL-Gluc formation assays were performed. Additionally, NNAL and menthol glucuronides (MG) were measured in the urine of smokers ( = 100) from the Southern Community Cohort Study. UGTs 1A9, 1A10, 2A1, 2A2, 2A3, 2B4, 2B7, and 2B17 all exhibited glucuronidating activity against both l- and d-menthol. In human liver microsomes, both l- and d-menthol inhibited the formation of each NNAL-Gluc, with a stereospecific difference observed between the formation of ()-NNAL--Gluc and ()-NNAL--Gluc in the presence of d-menthol but not l-menthol. With the exception of three nonmenthol cigarette smokers, urinary MG was detected in all menthol and nonmenthol smokers, with l-MG comprising >98% of total urinary MG. Levels of urinary NNAL--Gluc were significantly ( < 0.05) lower among subjects with high levels of total urinary MG; no significant changes in free NNAL were observed. These data suggest that the presence of menthol could lead to increases in alternative, activating metabolic pathways of NNAL in tobacco target tissues, increasing the opportunity for NNAL to damage DNA and lead to the development of tobacco-related cancers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: High levels of the major menthol metabolite, menthol-glucuronide, was observed in the urine of smokers of either menthol or nonmenthol cigarettes. The fact that a significant inverse correlation was observed between the levels of urinary menthol-glucuronide and NNAL-N-glucuronide, a major detoxification metabolite of the tobacco carcinogen, NNK, suggests that menthol may inhibit clearance of this important tobacco carcinogen.
Topics: Carcinogens; Cohort Studies; Glucuronides; Glucuronosyltransferase; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Menthol; Microsomes, Liver; Nitrosamines; Smoking; Stereoisomerism; Tobacco Products; Transfection
PubMed: 31578206
DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.088351 -
Health Promotion Practice Nov 2023Although menthol cigarettes are a starter product for youth, menthol was exempted from the 2009 Tobacco Control Act, which banned all other characterizing flavors....
Although menthol cigarettes are a starter product for youth, menthol was exempted from the 2009 Tobacco Control Act, which banned all other characterizing flavors. Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota, implemented menthol tobacco sales restrictions in 2018 to advance health equity for youth, African American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ), and other communities adversely affected by menthol. This evaluation assesses the policy impact on youth access to menthol tobacco, exposure to menthol advertising, and tobacco use. A core group of youth aged 14 to 17 years (n = 30) was recruited from Minneapolis and Duluth to gather data through photo voice and peer interviews 2 months before and after policy implementation. This evaluation shares the results of focus groups with these core youth where they reflected on what they observed in the community and heard from peers. The core youth identified and categorized emergent themes using the evaluation questions. Following the focus groups, the evaluation staff used these preliminary themes and coded remaining transcripts. The core youth had mixed reactions to the impact of policies on access and use because many tobacco users in their age group obtain tobacco informally through peers, family members, and online. They observed decreases in retail advertising of menthol cigarettes, although many felt e-cigarettes and online advertising were more significant issues for their age group. Findings show a need for increased education and more comprehensive policy approaches, including addressing use of flavored e-cigarettes, online tobacco sales, and informal access, making youth access to tobacco more difficult.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Minnesota; Menthol; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Tobacco Products; Nicotiana
PubMed: 36263446
DOI: 10.1177/15248399221127046 -
Science Progress 2022This study was conducted to evaluate some terpenes effect on the behavior and immune function of hemocytes in adults of the red palm weevil . Six individual different...
Disruption impact of citronella and menthol insecticides on adults behavior and hemocytes morphology in the red palm weevil ferrugineus "Oliver" (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
This study was conducted to evaluate some terpenes effect on the behavior and immune function of hemocytes in adults of the red palm weevil . Six individual different terpenes these are: (±)-menthol, B-citronellol, ( + )-3-carene, (R)- ( + )- limonene, citronella oil and orange terpenes. The results revealed significant differences between the terpenes used on the olfactory response on this insect, in that half of the compounds were very attractive while the other half were repellant to them. This behavior study results with olfactometer citronella oil exhibited an 80% attraction response rate for both sexes, while menthol exhibited a 60% attraction response rate for females and 100% for males. By contrast, menthol had a more significant effect on adults than citronella, lethal concentration at 50 scale (LC) values of 1.03, 0.89, and 0.9 mg, and LC values of 5.09, 2.01, and 1.59 mg, after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. For citronella oil, the LC values were 2.09, 1.76, and 1.70 mg after 24, 48, and 72 h, and the LC values were 5.5, 3.7, and 1.5 mg after 24, 48 and 72h, were noted. In the present study, the effects of citronella and methanol insecticides were observed on six types of hemocytes namely prohemocytes, granulocytes, plasmatocytes, oenocytes, coagulocytes and spherulocytes. Both citronella oil and menthol had a histopathological effect on the hemocytes of the adult red palm weevil, specifically, on the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. The findings also revealed that the vacuoles in some hemocytes, specifically, the prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, and granulocytes were more sensitive than those in other hemocytes, which remained unaffected by the treatment.The effects of citronella and menthol on RPW immunity were demonstrated in this study, and this information may be applied to their usage in integrated pest control at sub-lethal dosages.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Cymbopogon; Female; Hemocytes; Insecticides; Lamiaceae; Larva; Magnoliopsida; Male; Menthol; Weevils
PubMed: 35188836
DOI: 10.1177/00368504221079437 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Dec 2023About 40% of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) have already progressed in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Development of effective prevention and therapy...
BACKGROUND
About 40% of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) have already progressed in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Development of effective prevention and therapy approaches against NSCLC is critical for reducing mortality. As a fundamental ingredient of peppermint oil, menthol has been demonstrated to possess an antitumor activity in several types of carcinomas. However, the potential role of menthol on NSCLC has not been reported. The present study aims to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of menthol on proliferation, apoptosis, and mobility of human lung adenocarcinoma.
METHODS
Cell apoptosis was examined by MTT and flow cytometry. The motility of cells was determined by Transwell assay. Western blot analysis was performed to determine expression level of proteins. In vivo model of nude mice was established for evaluating the influence of menthol on tumorigenicity of A549 cells. The expression lentiviral vector of Akt was established in NSCLC cells for further verifying the inhibiting effect of menthol on survival and mobility of NSCLC cells via Akt pathway.
RESULTS
The results showed that menthol promoted A549 cell apoptosis, suppressed cell proliferation, and motility by altering the phosphorylated protein level of Akt. Menthol enhanced the expression level of Bax while decreasing expression of Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and MMPs proteins. In vivo experiments suggested that menthol exhibited an inhibitory effect in tumor growth on xenografts. These results were further validated in Akt over-expressed A549 and H1299 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
Menthol could display an inhibitory effect on NSCLC cells through Akt signaling pathway, making it a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Humans; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Lung Neoplasms; Menthol; Mice, Nude; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Carcinoma; Lung; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 38012058
DOI: 10.1111/crj.13713 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... Mar 2020Previous qualitative reviews have summarized evidence of an association between menthol cigarette use and likelihood of smoking cessation. The objective of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Previous qualitative reviews have summarized evidence of an association between menthol cigarette use and likelihood of smoking cessation. The objective of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative summary of effect sizes, their variability, and factors related to the variability in effect size for the association between menthol use and likelihood of smoking cessation.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase for prospective and cross-sectional studies of the association between menthol use and smoking cessation. We analyzed data with random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression.
RESULTS
Our review identified 22 reports from 19 studies of the association between menthol use and cessation. All identified study samples included only US smokers, with one exception that included both Canadian and US smokers. Our overall model did not demonstrate a significant association between menthol use and cessation; however, menthol users were significantly less likely to quit among blacks/African American smokers (odds ratio = 0.88).
CONCLUSIONS
Among blacks/African Americans predominantly in the US menthol users have approximately 12% lower odds of smoking cessation compared to non-menthol users. This difference is likely the result of the tobacco industry's ongoing marketing influence on the black/African American Community, suggesting that a menthol ban may have a unique public health benefit for black/African American smokers by encouraging quitting behavior.
IMPLICATIONS
This study adds a quantitative summary of the association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation in the United States. Findings of an association with lower likelihood of cessation among black/African American smokers, likely resulting from the tobacco industry's marketing influence, support the ban of menthol flavoring as part of a comprehensive tobacco control effort to increase cessation among black/African American smokers.
Topics: Black or African American; Humans; Menthol; Prevalence; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Tobacco Products; United States
PubMed: 31204787
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz067 -
Nicotine & Tobacco Research : Official... Oct 2022A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars may reduce smoking and tobacco-related disparities.
INTRODUCTION
A ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars may reduce smoking and tobacco-related disparities.
AIMS AND METHODS
We aimed to examine the response of current smokers to a hypothetical ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Current smokers were recruited online and reported the alternative products that they may switch to under a hypothetical ban, if they would try to obtain the banned products from illicit channels, and their support to the ban.
RESULTS
51% of current smokers would use nonflavored cigarettes and cigars as alternatives, 45% would switch to flavored heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes or quit smoking. 17% would try to obtain the banned flavored products from illicit markets. A majority of menthol only smokers opposed the ban. Daily smokers would be more likely to switch to nonflavored smoking, to try illicit market products, and were less supportive of the ban. Black smokers would be less likely to switch to nonflavored smoking and were more supportive of the ban. Smokers who used menthol cigarettes only would be more likely to switch to nonflavored smoking, less likely to try illicit market sellers, and were the least supportive of the ban.
CONCLUSIONS
In response to a ban of all added flavors for cigarettes or cigars, nearly half of the current smokers would quit smoking, largely by switching to nonsmoking products. However, smokers with more chronic use and those who used only menthol cigarettes would be more likely to switch to nonflavored smoking, diminishing the harm reduction potential. The ban may decrease the relatively higher prevalence of menthol cigarette smoking among Blacks compared with other groups.
IMPLICATIONS
A ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars may decrease the prevalence of smoking because some current smokers may quit smoking and switch to nonsmoking products. However, smokers with more chronic use and those who used menthol cigarettes only were more likely to switch to nonflavored cigarettes or cigars, diminishing the harm reduction potential of the ban. Black smokers would be more likely to switch to products other than cigarettes and cigars thus decreasing their relatively higher prevalence of smoking compared with other groups.
Topics: Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Flavoring Agents; Humans; Menthol; Smokers; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 35353183
DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac078