Treatment for tobacco smoking: a new alternative?

Smoking is a very common addiction and is associated with several kinds of diseases including different forms of cancer. Nicotine is the only substance present in cigarettes that can cause dependence. There are pharmacological treatments available to smoking cessation, but all of them are associated with side effects and low efficacy. Therefore, the development of new strategies and treatments is necessary. A possibility is the supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega 3 series. It is known that low concentration of omega 3 can affect the dopaminergic neurotransmission, resulting in hypofunctioning of the mesocortical system. This system controls the mesolimbic system, associated in rewarding and dependence mechanisms. New perspectives of treatment focus on the reestablishment of the omega 3 levels, having as a result the normalization of the dopaminergic system and the reduction of the negative symptoms of withdrawal.