Effects of E-Cigarette Exposure with/out CDP-Choline Treatment on Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety, and Hormonal Levels: Using Rat Model

E-cig use is increasingly popular, yet its impact on mental health, particularly anxiety and hormonal regulation during withdrawal, is understudied. Cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline), a neuroprotective compound, may help manage withdrawal symptoms. This study explores the effects of CDP-choline on withdrawal-induced anxiety and hormonal imbalances from chronic e-cig exposure, focusing on serum levels of nicotine, cotinine, adrenaline, and beta-endorphins. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, e-cig-exposed, e-cigarette-exposed with CDP-choline, e-cigarette quitting with CDP-choline, and CDP-choline-only. E-cig exposure involved one hour, twice daily, five days a week for six weeks, followed by reduced exposure for three weeks. CDP-choline was administered for three weeks starting at week six. Behavioral tests, including the light and dark box (LDB) test, were conducted at baseline, during withdrawal, and post-treatment. E-cig exposure significantly elevated serum nicotine, cotinine, adrenaline, and beta-endorphin levels, while increasing anxiety-like behaviors. CDP-choline treatment effectively reduced nicotine and cotinine levels, particularly in the e-cig exposure + CDP group (p = 0.0027) and the quitting + CDP group (p = 0.0416). Additionally, CDP-choline substantially lowered adrenaline and beta-endorphin levels (p < 0.0001), reducing stress responses linked to withdrawal. In conclusion, CDP-choline mitigates the harmful effects of e-cig exposure by reducing hormonal imbalances and improving behavioral outcomes. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic option for managing e-cig-induced withdrawal symptoms.