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Airway Genes Modifications Caused by Smoking and Vaping

close-up on a man`s mouth exhaling vapours

Several doctors and studies warn that the consequences of vaping are not yet thoroughly studied

Ever since electronic cigarettes were released, they have been marketed as a safe alternative to smoking. However, several doctors and many studies warn that the consequences of vaping are not yet thoroughly studied. According to new research, the usage of electronic cigarettes is associated with same airway genes modifications caused by smoking.

The study mentions that the e-cigarette use produces the same changes in the expression of immune-related genes in the mucous membrane as tobacco cigarettes.

In order to identify the airway genes modifications correctly, the research analyzed a series of participants divided into three different groups. The first group was formed of nonsmokers. The second group was represented by cigarette smokers, whereas the third consisted of e-cigarette users. The study investigated gene-expression profiles in all three groups and compared them to identify the consequences in each situation.

E-cigarette users and smokers kept records documenting their dependency and the frequency of their addiction. Also, blood and urine samples were taken and investigated in order to analyze nicotine levels and other indicators relevant to the exposure to tobacco.

After almost a month, scientists took some samples from the nasal airways of each participant and investigated the immune response gene expression.

The research, led by a team of experts supervised by Ilona Jaspers of the University of North Carolina, was published recently in the “American Journal of Physiology”. According to it, vapers and cigarette smokers had a decreased number of immune-related genes. This suggests that both addictions can cause airway genes modifications. Also, both dependencies reduce the immune response of the respiratory system.

As per the study, there were 53 genes with decreased expression in cigarette smokers. Compared to this number, vaping did much worse. Apart from the 53 genes identified in tobacco smokers, vaping added a supplementary 305 genes.

However, some limitations must be noted before drawing any conclusion. One of the most important is related to the fact that nine of the twelve electronic cigarette users were tobacco smokers before. Since the modifications produced by smoking normal cigarettes may be irreversible, the study couldn`t tell for sure that the changes were caused by e-cigarettes.

Despite the doubt about the accuracy of the conclusions, doctors still advise considering all aspects before deciding to use an electronic cigarette instead of a tobacco cigarette.

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New Study Shows Many Minnesotans Quit Smoking Using E-Cigarettes

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A recent study revealed that Minnesota has the lowest smoking rate ever. According to the reports, approximately 45% of adult Minnesotans who quit smoking used the e-cigarette at one point. The study cost $850,000 and was conducted by ClearWay.

The e-cigarette is an electronic device that allows the user to inhale a special vapor that can contain a lower or a higher concentration of nicotine.

E-cigarettes have caused many controversial debates since they appeared on the market. While some say the e-cigarette is one of the most efficient ways to help smokers quit the habit, others strongly believe that this device is even more cancer-causing than regular tobacco cigarettes because they contain some toxic substances such as formaldehyde.

Greg Conley, the president of the American Vaping Association, said in a statement that health officials should be happy that e-cigarettes have helped so many Minnesota smokers quit the habit.

Conley adds that the recent survey confirms the fact that smokers are very aware of the fact that e-cigarettes are a viable option for those who want to stop smoking regular cigarettes.

The Minnesota Department of Health in collaboration with ClearWay Minnesota conducted the study and found that there has been a decline in smoker by 10% in the past four years. The researchers involved in the study said that the results are significant.

According to the report, 14.4% of adult Minnesotans said they still use tobacco products, which is a new record low.
The Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey included responses from more than 9,300 people who were older than 18. These people were interviewed over the phone between February and July 2014.

This study is the most comprehensive and is conducted every four years in Minnesota.
One of the reasons that made smokers quit was the increased prices of cigarettes. Another reason, according to the survey, was the use of e-cigarettes.

When asked if the e-cigarettes played a role in the fact that many Minnesotans have quit smoking, Raymond Boyle, director of research at ClearWay Minnesota, answered that the probabilities are very high.
Many advocate the e-cigarette as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes and an efficient smoking cessation option.
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California health dept. head campaigns against ‘addictive’ e-cigarettes

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A top public health official at California health department on Wednesday opened campaign against ‘addictive’ electronic cigarettes, saying these slow killers are causing nicotine poisoning among children that in turn is threatening to decelerate the decades-long effort of the state to check tobacco use.

Ron Chapman, Director of the California Department of Public Health, released a report on e-cigarettes use in an attempt to express his serious reservations about their use as an alternative medium for traditional cigarettes at a time when the state legislature is debating whether to regulate these modern smoking devices under the tobacco regulations of the state.

“I am advising Californians to avoid the use of e-cigarettes and keep them away from children of all ages. E-cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. The nicotine present in them is equally addictive as the nicotine found in cigarettes,” Chapman said.

Meanwhile, the growing e-cigarette industry has criticized Chapman’s report, saying the heated liquid inhaled by the users is not as hazardous as the by-products of tobacco burning in regular cigarettes, pipes and cigars.

Gregory Conley, President of the American Vaping Association, said, “This report inappropriately paints this complex and crucial public health topic as a black and white issue. There is ample evidence that indicates vaping helps smokers quit and is far less hazardous than smoking.”

7.6 percent of people in the age group 18-29 in California used electronic cigarettes in 2013, which is up from 2.3 percent in 2012, according to Chapman’s report. The incidents of nicotine poisoning among children under the age of five increased shockingly from seven in 2012 to 154 in 2014, showed the report.

The health experts say owing to the fact that there are lesser research works on health effects of electronic cigarettes, their risks and benefits over traditional ones are the subject of intense debate.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working in direction of finding potential product standards in the areas of toxicity, addiction and product appeal. However, FDA’s tobacco division head has noted that modern cigarettes do not cause flooding of smoke and tar in the lungs as done by the regular cigarettes.

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