Nicotine disrupts lung‑brain iron axis

New lab work shows pulmonary neuroendocrine cells exposed to nicotine release exosomes loaded with serotransferrin (an iron transporter), which can alter iron balance in the brain and raise markers linked to neurodegeneration. Because the effect is driven by nicotine itself, the finding suggests vaping as well as smoking could contribute to dementia risk via a previously unrecognized lung→brain signaling pathway. — If replicated and confirmed in humans, this mechanism strengthens the case for treating nicotine (including e‑cigarette use) as a neurodegenerative risk factor and could shift prevention, regulation, and youth‑targeted messaging.