A recent study reveals that vaping can lead to significant alterations in gene activity, with specific flavors causing more harm than others. Researchers found that regular vapers exhibited changes in 3,124 genes compared to non-smokers or non-vapers.
The study indicates that while some gene alterations are related to vaping frequency and quantity, a substantial portion, about 66.6%, is associated with the type of flavors and devices used. Published in Frontiers in Oncology, the findings underscore the impact of flavor and device choices on the biological effects of vaping, potentially influencing future regulations.
The long-term health risks of vaping, also known as e-cigarettes, are still uncertain due to their recent introduction. However, alterations in disease-related genes’ expression can offer early insights into the potential dangers of vaping before chronic illnesses manifest.
Previous studies have linked vaping to changes in gene expression associated with cancer, heart issues, and lung diseases, similar to the effects of smoking. The study’s lead author, Professor Ahmad Besaratinia from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the need to understand the driving factors behind these genetic changes, whether it’s vaping itself, the vaping intensity, product characteristics, or a combination of factors.
Analyzing gene expression changes among 83 participants, including vapers, smokers, and non-users, the research team found that vape flavors and device types explained a significant portion of gene activity changes. Fruit flavors and advanced refillable devices, known as “mods,” showed more pronounced alterations in gene expression among vapers.
The research involved collecting oral cell samples from participants to examine gene activity through RNA sequencing. Vapers displayed changes in 3,124 genes compared to non-smokers, with more variability in gene activity patterns than smokers.
Different vape flavors were associated with varying gene regulation changes, with fruit and multiple flavors showing the most significant impact. Moreover, advanced devices like mods were linked to the most consistent gene regulation alterations, surpassing the frequency or duration of vaping in explaining the variations.
The study team conducted a thorough analysis to identify the biological pathways and diseases linked to the observed gene expression changes. Among vapers, cancer exhibited the highest number of gene expression alterations, followed by endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological conditions.
As regulatory bodies like the FDA finalize guidelines on flavored e-cigarette products, the research team highlights the importance of evaluating products based on flavor and device specifics. They suggest that newer devices may deliver higher nicotine levels and contain potentially harmful additives to enhance the vaping experience.
Further research is underway to identify chemicals in vaping liquids associated with gene expression changes. The team aims to provide insights for policymakers to reduce potential harm by eliminating or minimizing harmful chemicals in e-cigarette products.
