What's The Scoop On Nicotine Neurotoxicity?

[PCoderch]

Here is the thing: I love smoking cigars. Yes, I know that it's bad for my health. Don't lecture me. I exercise a lot, eat mostly fruits and vegetables and I have good blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, etc. I don't think that's smoking a few cigars a week will be my end. And ultimately, we will all die anyway, so why bother.

But I read that nicotine destroys brain cells. Is this true? I am asking this because there is an enormous amount of controversial data on this topic. Some studies say that nicotine protects against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's, whilst others say that nicotine kills brain cells inducing apoptosis via cholinergic excitotoxicity, like organophosphate insecticides and also by increaing free radicals in the brain. Then, other studies say nicotine is antioxidant in the brain and PREVENTS apoptosis. Oh, my fucking God, how to interpret this gigantic amount of contradictory data? Please can any expert clarify this to me? Please, only true experts who know what they're talking about. I don't need stupid laymen giving me their OPINIONS on this matter. I want medical doctors, neurologists, neurophysiologists or pharmacologists giving me the facts. Thank you.

 

[Anton]

Alcohol destroys brain cells not nicotine.
Cells are impacted by highly toxic materials , like poisons(alcohol is one) , while nicotine is mostly addicting.The smoke does destroy lung cells thought.And there's a big difference between cigars and cigarettes.Clarify which one you smoke.