A recent study has revealed that vaping can cause changes in thousands of genes, with certain flavors inflicting more harm than others. Researchers found that individuals who vape regularly exhibit modified activity in 3,124 genes throughout their genome compared to non-smokers and non-vapers.
While a portion of these alterations (28.8%) is associated with the frequency and quantity of vaping, scientists suggest that the majority (66.6%) is influenced by the flavors and devices used. The study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, emphasizes the impact of flavor and device type on the biological effects of vaping, potentially influencing future regulations.
Due to the relatively recent introduction of vapes, the long-term health risks remain uncertain. However, alterations in the expression of genes related to diseases can serve as early indicators of potential vaping-related harms, as chronic diseases typically manifest over time.
Previous research has indicated that vaping, like smoking, can lead to changes in gene expression linked to cancer development, as well as heart and lung diseases. Professor Ahmad Besaratinia, the senior author of the study, noted the need to determine the driving factors behind these changes, whether it’s vaping itself, the intensity and duration of vaping, the product characteristics, or a combination of these factors.
Analyzing gene expression changes among 83 individuals, including vapers, smokers, and non-users, researchers at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine discovered that vape flavor and device type accounted for the majority of alterations in gene activity. Notably, vapers using fruit or multiple flavors and advanced refillable devices showed more pronounced changes in gene expression.
The study participants, consisting of healthy young adults, provided oral cell samples for RNA sequencing analysis. Vapers exhibited modifications in 3,124 genes compared to non-smokers and non-vapers, with vapers displaying more diverse patterns of gene activity than smokers.
Different vape flavors were found to trigger distinct changes in gene regulation. Sweet flavors impacted 2.9% of affected genes, mint or menthol flavors affected 0.9%, fruit flavors influenced 31%, and multiple flavors altered 64.3% of affected genes. Moreover, higher-generation devices, such as mods, were associated with the most significant and consistent changes in gene regulation.
A sophisticated bioinformatics analysis identified molecular processes and diseases linked to the observed gene expression changes. Among vapers, cancer exhibited the most gene expression alterations, followed by endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological disorders.
As the FDA finalizes guidance on flavored e-cigarette products, the research team stresses the importance of evaluating products based on flavors and device characteristics. They raise concerns about potentially toxic additives in these products and emphasize the need for further research to identify harmful compounds.
The team recommends a detailed assessment by regulators, emphasizing the role of flavors and device features in determining health risks. By identifying and potentially reducing harmful chemicals in e-cigarette products, policymakers could help mitigate the risks associated with vaping.