Vaping devices and flavors affect genes differently

A recent study published in Frontiers in Oncology investigated how vaping affects gene activity in the oral epithelium, varying with device type, flavor, and intensity. The research analyzed oral epithelial cells from 35 e-cigarette users, 24 cigarette smokers, and 24 non-users. The findings indicate that vaping-related gene expression patterns are influenced by multiple aspects of exposure rather than nicotine dose alone. Among the 3,124 differentially expressed genes identified in vapers, only a subset remained significantly altered when assessed against different exposure measures, such as cumulative e-liquid consumption, years of vaping, and plasma cotinine levels. Product characteristics also appeared to shape the transcriptomic response; for instance, 58% of DEGs were shared between users of third-generation and multiple-generation devices, and flavor choice influenced gene activity, with 64% of primary DEGs remaining significant among users who regularly used multiple flavor types. The study also revealed that approximately 60% of the genes altered in vapers were not altered in smokers, suggesting that vaping is associated with a substantial number of molecular changes distinct from those linked to combustible tobacco use. Functional pathway analyses showed that both vaping and smoking disrupt gene networks associated with cancer-related and cell-signaling processes, but they also affect distinct biological pathways. The authors suggest that regulatory and research approaches may need to consider the health risks posed by different types of devices and flavors in the market today to improve public health and clinical practice.

(Source：Medical News)