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The study by Oliveira et al. looks at the effects of maternal nicotine during lactation in rats, and the possible programming effects this may have on the adiposity and thyroid status of the offspring. If the findings translate to humans, this may explain the prevalence of obesity in children exposed to cigarette smoke during the perinatal period.

In their study, carried out on rats, they report that nicotine imprints a neonatal thyroid dysfunction and programmes for a higher adiposity, hyperleptinaemia and secondary hypothyroidism in adulthood. Their study also identifies lactation as a critical period to nicotine programming for obesity, with hypothyroidism being a possible contributing factor. Oliveira et al., 2009, Journal of Endocrinology: DOI: 10.1677/JOE-09-0020

Programming effects of maternal nicotine during lactation

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