A recent study has revealed that vaping can lead to alterations in thousands of genes, with specific flavors causing the most significant impact. Individuals who vape regularly exhibit changes in the activity of 3,124 genes throughout their genome compared to non-smokers and non-vapers.
Researchers found that while nearly 29% of the gene alterations are associated with vaping frequency and quantity, approximately 67% are influenced by the flavors and devices used. These findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology, underscore the importance of vape flavors and device types in the biological consequences of vaping, potentially shaping future regulatory measures.
As e-cigarettes are relatively new, the long-term health risks they pose are not yet fully understood. However, alterations in disease-related gene expression due to vaping could serve as early indicators of potential harm, as chronic illnesses typically take years to manifest.
Prior studies have shown parallels between vaping and smoking in terms of gene expression changes linked to cancer, heart conditions, and lung diseases. Professor Ahmad Besaratinia, the senior author of the study, emphasized the need to determine the driving factors behind these genetic alterations, whether it is the act of vaping itself, the intensity and duration of vaping, the product characteristics, or a combination of these factors.
Analyzing gene expression changes in 83 individuals, including vapers, smokers, and non-users, researchers at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine discovered that vape flavors and device types explained the majority of gene activity changes. Particularly, vapers using fruit or multiple flavors and advanced refillable devices displayed more pronounced gene expression alterations.
The study participants consisted of healthy young adults, with oral cell samples collected for RNA sequencing to assess gene activity across thousands of genes simultaneously. Vapers exhibited modifications in 3,124 genes compared to non-smokers or non-vapers, with vapers also displaying more varied patterns of gene activity than smokers.
Different vape flavors were found to induce diverse changes in gene regulation, with fruit flavors and multiple flavors causing the most significant alterations. Advanced devices like mods were associated with the most consistent gene regulation changes, emphasizing their impact on genetic activity.
Bioinformatics analysis conducted by the research team identified various molecular processes, biological pathways, and diseases linked to the observed gene expression changes among vapers. Cancer was the most prominent disease associated with gene expression alterations, followed by endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological conditions.
Given the imminent finalization of official guidance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on flavored e-cigarette products, the study’s findings hold significant relevance. The researchers recommend a detailed evaluation of products, focusing on flavors and device characteristics, especially considering the higher nicotine levels and potentially harmful additives present in newer vaping devices. Ongoing research aims to identify specific chemicals in vape liquids responsible for gene expression changes to guide regulatory decisions and mitigate potential health risks.