Tobacco and COVID-19: Molecular Interactions and Public Health Challenges – A Review

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 02 | Issue : 01 | Page : –
    By

    Chetan Vinay Deshmukh,

  • Vibhuti Dilip Mistry,

  • Arun Suresh Dodamani,

  • Mayuri Bhikaji Nepale,

  1. Assistant Professor, Public Health Dentistry, Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Periodontology and Oral Implantology, JMF’s ACPM Dental College, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
  3. Principal Professor & Head, Public Health Dentistry, JMF’s ACPM Dental College, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
  4. Regional Medical Advisor, Gastroenterology, Abbot India Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Tobacco use exacerbates health risks, making it a significant concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smoking has been implicated in the upregulation of ACE2 receptors, critical for SARS- CoV-2 entry, and contributes to immune dysregulation and oxidative stress, worsening clinical outcomes. Methods: This review synthesizes evidence on the molecular mechanisms linking tobacco and COVID-19, assesses risk factors, such as smoking status and comorbidities, and explores public health challenges in managing the dual burden of tobacco use and the pandemic. Results: Tobacco-induced ACE2 receptor up-regulation, impaired immune response, and oxidative stress exacerbate COVID-19 severity. Smokers exhibit higher rates of ICU admission, ARDS, and mortality. Public health challenges include disruptions in tobacco cessation efforts, with increased stress-related smoking and limited access to cessation programs during lockdowns. Discussion: The findings underscore the need for robust tobacco control policies integrated with COVID-19 management. Tailored cessation programs and strengthened regulations on tobacco marketing can mitigate risks. Conclusion: Tobacco cessation is crucial to reducing COVID-19 severity and strengthening public health resilience against future pandemics. Comprehensive policies and continued research are vital in addressing the combined burden of tobacco and infectious diseases.

Keywords: Tobacco use, COVID-19, ACE2 expression, immune modulation, public health challenges

[This article belongs to International Journal of Virus Studies ]

How to cite this article:
Chetan Vinay Deshmukh, Vibhuti Dilip Mistry, Arun Suresh Dodamani, Mayuri Bhikaji Nepale. Tobacco and COVID-19: Molecular Interactions and Public Health Challenges – A Review. International Journal of Virus Studies. 2025; 02(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Chetan Vinay Deshmukh, Vibhuti Dilip Mistry, Arun Suresh Dodamani, Mayuri Bhikaji Nepale. Tobacco and COVID-19: Molecular Interactions and Public Health Challenges – A Review. International Journal of Virus Studies. 2025; 02(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijvs/article=2025/view=203304


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 02
Issue 01
Received 22/01/2025
Accepted 04/02/2025
Published 10/02/2025
Publication Time 19 Days
Total Visits: 52


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