Biologists: Vaping has tumor-causing effects
UP Diliman biologists found vaping elevates a molecule linked to tumorigenic cell changes, suggesting e-cigarettes are not safe.Summary
Molecular biologists from the University of the Philippines Diliman published a study in the journal Non-Coding RNA, warning that vaping has tumorigenic effects. The team, led by researcher Reynaldo Garcia, identified a long non-coding RNA molecule they named VALT1, which is elevated in vapers and certain lung tumors. They demonstrated that exposure to e-cigarette vapor increases VALT1 levels, which in turn promotes hallmark features of cancer cells: increased cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, migration, and cytoskeletal disorganization. This mechanism mirrors one previously found for cigarette smoke, where damaged cells are paradoxically allowed to survive. The researchers conclude their findings provide evidence that vaping is not safe and its harmful effects are mediated, at least in part, by VALT1. However, they note that the long-term cancer risks of vaping remain uncertain due to its relatively recent introduction and the long latency period of lung cancer.
(Source：The Manila Times)
