The Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco (SRNT) shortlisted the Center of Excellence for the acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR) for the 2021 edition of its annual meeting, hosted online from 24th to 27th of February. A prestigious award, which acknowledges the Center in one of the most important events on nicotine and tobacco worldwide.
CoEHAR participates in presenting two different studies: “Role of smoke on ACE-2 membrane protein expression in bronchial epithelial cells” and “Medium-Long time storage condition of Cambridge filter pads CFPS for nicotine dosimetry”.
Specifically, the first study evaluated the effects of smoking and nicotine on the ACE2 receptor, responsible for the SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into our body. The low number of smoking patients among those hospitalized due to COVID-19 has urged researchers to investigate the possible interactions between nicotine and the ACE2 molecule. The hypothesis is that nicotine can regulate the viral expression of the coronavirus. An innovative vision supported by other CoEHAR’s research.
The second study represents the first step towards a greater standardization of research methodologies on electronic cigarettes. Hence, new guidelines and parameters for regulating the dosage of nicotine in vaping liquids have been evaluated. Standardizing the methodologies means giving a further boost to the sector of new technologies applied to Harm Reduction, allowing the development of tools as close as possible to conventional cigarettes and providing more support to those who want to quit.
“Another great achievement for CoEHAR – underlined Prof. Giovanni Li Volti, Director of CoEHAR – the scientific evidence seems to indicate the possibility of a pharmaceutical use of nicotine in the treatment of COVID19 infection”.
“As demonstrated by our study – added the Founder of CoEHAR Prof. Riccardo Polosa – only through the standardization of methodologies we can compare the research on electronic cigarettes. That is synonymous with continuous research aimed at innovation: the backbone of all CoEHAR’s research activity”.
This year, due to the restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the edition will go entirely online. Panelists will first record their interventions and then participate live in a question session that will follow. Representing the CoEHAR will be Giovanni Li Volti (Director) and Pietro Zuccarello (Researcher).
The SRNT is a professional association dedicated to supporting researchers and professionals who work in different fields of research on tobacco and nicotine. The aim is to disseminate and share the knowledge gained in the sector thanks to strong international cooperation.