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Andreozzi P, Gussoni G, Sesti G, Montano N, Pietrangelo A. Impact of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and heat-not-burn/heated tobacco products (HnB/HTP) on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a viewpoint of the Italian Society of Internal Medicine. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03648-x. [PMID: 38806787 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03648-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The association of cigarette smoking with several severe and very severe diseases (oncological, cardiovascular, respiratory) which have dramatic epidemiological, medical, and financial impact, is a well-known public threat. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly prevalent diseases in Italy, posing significant public health challenges. Tobacco smoking, a primary risk factor for COPD and a common asthma trigger, remains a critical preventable public health issue. While universally acknowledged that quitting smoking drastically reduces the risk of smoking-related health issues, a significant portion of smokers and patients find quitting challenging or undesirable, hence a need for new ways to deal with it. A worth considering alternative might be the switch to electronic cigarettes (e-cig), and heat-not-burn/heated tobacco products (HnB/HTP). Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits in asthma and COPD management when transitioning from traditional smoking to e-cigs or HnB devices. However, the effectiveness of these products in facilitating smoking cessation is still debated, alongside concerns about their role in promoting smoking initiation among non-smokers. Internists are among the physicians who most frequently assist patients with smoking-related diseases, and in this perspective they cannot avoid paying attention to the progressive diffusion of smoking products alternative to the traditional cigarette, and to the controversies with respect to their use. In this context, the Italian Society of Internal Medicine, also recognizing a growing need for clarity for healthcare providers, has undertaken a comprehensive analysis of existing literature to offer an informed perspective on the health impact of e-cigs and HnB/HTP on asthma and COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Andreozzi
- Predictive Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome-Sapienza, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Clinical Community Sciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello Pietrangelo
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy.
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Pérez A, Valencia S, Jani PP, Harrell MB. Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Age of Asthma Onset Among US Adults and Youths. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2410740. [PMID: 38758558 PMCID: PMC11102021 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The association of use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) with the age of asthma onset is unknown. Objective To explore the association of past 30-day ENDS use with the age of asthma onset in adults and youths who did not have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and never used cigarettes. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was a secondary analysis of waves 1 to 6 of the US nationally representative Population of Tobacco and Health Study (2013-2021). Eligible participants included adults (≥18 years) and youths (12-17 years) who did not have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the first wave of participation. Data analysis was conducted from September 2022 to April 2024. Exposure Past 30-day ENDS use at the first wave of participation in the study preceding the onset of asthma. Main outcome and measures Lower and upper age limits were estimated using the age reported at the first wave of participation and the number of weeks between follow-up waves until asthma was first reported or censored. The association of past 30-day ENDS use with the age of asthma onset was estimated using weighted interval-censoring Cox regression. The cumulative hazard function for the age of asthma onset was estimated using interval-censoring survival analysis. Results A total of 24 789 participants were included, with 7766 adults (4461 female [weighted percentage, 59.11%] and 3305 male [weighted percentage, 40.89%]), representing 80.0 million adults, and 17 023 youths (8514 female [weighted percentage, 50.60%] and 8496 male [weighted percentage 49.32%]), representing 33.9 million youths. By age 27 years, 6.2 per 1000 adults reported asthma incidence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62%; 95% CI, 0.46%-0.75%). While controlling for covariates, there was a 252% increased risk of the onset of asthma at earlier ages for adults who used ENDS in the past 30 days vs adults who did not (adjusted HR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.24-10.02). For youths, there was no association of ENDS use in the past 30 days with age of asthma onset (adjusted HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.67-4.77), which could be due to a lack of statistical power. Conclusion and relevance In this cohort study, past 30-day ENDS use among adults was associated with earlier ages of asthma onset. These findings suggest that prevention and cessation programs directed to adults who use ENDS are needed to educate the public, protect public health, prevent adverse health outcomes, and motivate users to stop. Furthermore, modifying symptom-screening asthma guidelines, resulting in earlier asthma detection and treatment, may reduce morbidity and mortality due to asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Pérez
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin
| | - Sarah Valencia
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin
| | - Pushan P. Jani
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Medicine, Houston
| | - Melissa B. Harrell
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Austin
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Bracken AC, Oppenheimer JJ, Mosnaim GS, Rank MA. Simplifying asthma management in a university setting: A perspective. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:561-563. [PMID: 38253123 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann C Bracken
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire.
| | - John J Oppenheimer
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
| | | | - Matthew A Rank
- Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Phoenix Children's Hospital, Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona
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Glantz SA, Nguyen N, Oliveira da Silva AL. Population-Based Disease Odds for E-Cigarettes and Dual Use versus Cigarettes. NEJM EVIDENCE 2024; 3:EVIDoa2300229. [PMID: 38411454 DOI: 10.1056/evidoa2300229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: E-cigarettes are promoted as less harmful than cigarettes. There has not been a direct comparison of health effects of e-cigarettes or dual use (concurrently using e-cigarettes and cigarettes) with those of cigarettes in the general population. METHODS: Studies in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychINFO published through October 1, 2023, were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis if five or more studies were identified with a disease outcome. We assessed risk of bias with Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure and certainty with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations. Outcomes with fewer studies were summarized but not pooled. RESULTS: We identified 124 odds ratios (94 cross-sectional and 30 longitudinal) from 107 studies. Pooled odds ratios for current e-cigarette versus cigarette use were not different for cardiovascular disease (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 1.14), stroke (0.73; 0.47 to 1.13), or metabolic dysfunction (0.99; 0.91 to 1.09) but were lower for asthma (0.84; 0.74 to 0.95), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.53; 0.38 to 0.74), and oral disease (0.87; 0.76 to 1.00). Pooled odds ratios for dual use versus cigarettes were increased for all outcomes (range, 1.20 to 1.41). Pooled odds ratios for e-cigarettes and dual use compared with nonuse of either product were increased (e-cigarette range, 1.24 to 1.47; dual use, 1.49 to 3.29). All included studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias. Results were generally not sensitive to study characteristics. Limited studies of other outcomes suggest that e-cigarette use is associated with additional diseases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to reassess the assumption that e-cigarette use provides substantial harm reduction across all cigarette-caused diseases, particularly accounting for dual use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nhung Nguyen
- Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
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Ju H, Lee H, Choi J, Kim S, Kang E. The online promotion strategies of e-cigarette and heated tobacco product retailers in South Korea following the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for regulation. Tob Induc Dis 2024; 22:TID-22-37. [PMID: 38356660 PMCID: PMC10865470 DOI: 10.18332/tid/178380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in South Korea, driven by perceived health benefits and COVID-19-related concerns, has led to increased advertising claims about their safety despite ongoing debates about their health effects. This study explores the marketing strategies of online e-cigarette and HTP retailers in South Korea pre- and post-COVID-19, examining potential misleading claims and providing a foundation for future regulatory measures. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive study of eight major e-commerce platforms and three dominant search engines in South Korea to analyze the marketing and advertising strategies of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) (n=774). Using specific keywords, promotional strategies were identified and categorized, after which statistical analysis was conducted to understand the frequency and proportion of these strategies, highlighting differences between HTP and e-cigarette sellers. RESULTS Our analysis reveals a significant rise in the number of online retailers selling e-cigarettes and HTPs following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the promotional strategies 'Stay home and vape' and 'Trendy' being the most prevalent. Trends also indicate a shift in promotional strategies over the years, with a marked increase in health reassurance themes and appeals to trendiness, particularly targeting female consumers, which were used significantly more at HTPs stores. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the need for stricter regulation due to the potential health risks posed by the aggressive marketing strategies of e-cigarette and HTP online retailers in South Korea, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- HyoRim Ju
- Department of Family Medicine, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, South Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - HyeWon Lee
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Juyoung Choi
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Soojeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - EunKyo Kang
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
- Department of Family Medicine, National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea
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Goel S, Shabil M, Kaur J, Chauhan A, Rinkoo AV. Safety, efficacy and health impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS): an umbrella review protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080274. [PMID: 38286688 PMCID: PMC10826537 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes or vapes, have witnessed a rise in popularity, particularly among the youth. Although they were initially introduced as an alternative to traditional smoking, the design and function of ENDS vary. The potential health effects of ENDS, especially in comparison to traditional cigarettes, are a matter of ongoing debate. Given the increasing number of clinical studies and systematic reviews on this topic, there exists a demand for an umbrella review that offers a comprehensive assessment. The goal of this study is to perform an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the safety, efficacy, health implications and potential gateway effect associated with ENDS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This umbrella review will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A planned literature search will be executed across databases such as OVID, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria are systematic reviews that discuss ENDS and e-liquids in the context of safety, efficacy and health outcomes. The exclusion criteria include narrative reviews, non-systematic reviews and studies not in English. Quality of the selected studies will be evaluated using the AMSTAR V.2 Scale. An overlap assessment will be done using the Corrected Covered Area, and data synthesis will be presented both narratively and in tabulated forms ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required for this study, as it does not involve the collection of original data. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. The findings will offer crucial insights for stakeholders, policy-makers and the general public, underlining the health implications and the role of ENDS in tobacco cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu Goel
- University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Muhammed Shabil
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Banglore, India
| | - Jagdish Kaur
- World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anil Chauhan
- Department of Telemedicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Song MA, Wold LE, Aslaner DM, Archer KJ, Patel D, Jeon H, Chung D, Shields PG, Christman JW, Chung S. Long-Term Impact of Daily E-cigarette Exposure on the Lungs of Asthmatic Mice. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1904-1908. [PMID: 37349133 PMCID: PMC10664080 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the greater popularity of electronic cigarettes (EC) among asthmatics is alarming, there is limited knowledge of the long-term consequences of EC exposure in asthmatics. AIMS AND METHODS Mild asthmatic C57/BL6J adult male and female mice were established by intranasal insufflation with three combined allergens. The asthmatic and age and sex-matched' naïve mice were exposed to air, nicotine-free (propylene glycol [PG]/vegetable glycerin [VG]-only), or PG/VG+Nicotine, 4 hours daily for 3 months. The effects of EC exposure were accessed by measuring cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage, periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers (mtCN), and the transcriptome in the lung. Significance was false discovery rate <0.2 for transcriptome and 0.05 for the others. RESULTS In asthmatic mice, PG/VG+Nicotine increased PAS-positive cells and IL-13 compared to mice exposed to air and PG/VG-only. In naïve mice exposed to PG/VG+Nicotine and PG/VG-only, higher INF-γ was observed compared to mice exposed only to air. PG/VG-only and PG/VG+Nicotine had significantly higher mtCN compared to air exposure in asthmatic mice, while the opposite pattern was observed in non-asthmatic naïve mice. Different gene expression patterns were profoundly found for asthmatic mice exposed to PG/VG+Nicotine compared to PG/VG-only, including genes involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative phosphorylation, and p21-activated kinase (PAK) signaling. CONCLUSIONS This study provides experimental evidence of the potential impact of nicotine enhancement on the long-term effects of EC in asthmatics compared to non-asthmatics. IMPLICATIONS The findings from this study indicate the potential impact of EC in asthmatics by addressing multiple biological markers. The long-term health outcomes of EC in the susceptible group can be instrumental in supporting policymaking and educational campaigns and informing the public, healthcare providers, and EC users about the underlying risks of EC use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ae Song
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Loren E Wold
- College of Nursing and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David M Aslaner
- College of Nursing and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kellie J Archer
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Devki Patel
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hyeongseon Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter G Shields
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John W Christman
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sangwoon Chung
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Barnes C, Turon H, McCrabb S, Hodder RK, Yoong SL, Stockings E, Hall AE, Bialek C, Morrison JL, Wolfenden L. Interventions to prevent or cease electronic cigarette use in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 11:CD015511. [PMID: 37965949 PMCID: PMC10646968 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015511.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of e-cigarette use has increased globally amongst children and adolescents in recent years. In response to the increasing prevalence and emerging evidence about the potential harms of e-cigarettes in children and adolescents, leading public health organisations have called for approaches to address increasing e-cigarette use. Whilst evaluations of approaches to reduce uptake and use regularly appear in the literature, the collective long-term benefit of these is currently unclear. OBJECTIVES The co-primary objectives of the review were to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent e-cigarette use in children and adolescents (aged 19 years and younger) with no prior use, relative to no intervention, waitlist control, usual practice, or an alternative intervention; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to cease e-cigarette use in children and adolescents (aged 19 years and younger) reporting current use, relative to no intervention, waitlist control, usual practice, or an alternative intervention. Secondary objectives were to: (1) examine the effect of such interventions on child and adolescent use of other tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes, cigars types, and chewing tobacco); and (2) describe the unintended adverse effects of the intervention on individuals (e.g. physical or mental health of individuals), or on organisations (e.g. intervention displacement of key curricula or learning opportunities for school students) where such interventions are being implemented. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycINFO, EBSCO CINAHL, and Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection from inception to 1 May 2023. Additionally, we searched two trial registry platforms (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register ClinicalTrials.gov), Google Scholar, and the reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. We contacted corresponding authors of articles identified as ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-RCTs, factorial RCTs, and stepped-wedge RCTs. To be eligible, the primary targets of the interventions must have been children and adolescents aged 19 years or younger. Interventions could have been conducted in any setting, including community, school, health services, or the home, and must have sought to influence children or adolescent (or both) e-cigarette use directly. Studies with a comparator of no intervention (i.e. control), waitlist control, usual practice, or an alternative intervention not targeting e-cigarette use were eligible. We included measures to assess the effectiveness of interventions to: prevent child and adolescent e-cigarette use (including measures of e-cigarette use amongst those who were never-users); and cease e-cigarette use (including measures of e-cigarette use amongst children and adolescents who were e-cigarette current-users). Measures of e-cigarette use included current-use (defined as use in the past 30 days) and ever-use (defined as any lifetime use). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of references, with any discrepancies resolved through consensus. Pairs of review authors independently assessed the full-text articles for inclusion in the review. We planned for two review authors to independently extract information from the included studies and assess risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. We planned to conduct multiple meta-analyses using a random-effects model to align with the co-primary objectives of the review. First, we planned to pool interventions to prevent child and adolescent e-cigarette use and conduct two analyses using the outcome measures of 'ever-use' and 'current-use'. Second, we planned to pool interventions to cease child and adolescent e-cigarette use and conduct one analysis using the outcome measure of 'current-use'. Where data were unsuitable for pooling in meta-analyses, we planned to conduct a narrative synthesis using vote-counting approaches and to follow the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. MAIN RESULTS The search of electronic databases identified 7141 citations, with a further 287 records identified from the search of trial registries and Google Scholar. Of the 110 studies (116 records) evaluated in full text, we considered 88 to be ineligible for inclusion for the following reasons: inappropriate outcome (27 studies); intervention (12 studies); study design (31 studies); and participants (18 studies). The remaining 22 studies (28 records) were identified as ongoing studies that may be eligible for inclusion in a future review update. We identified no studies with published data that were eligible for inclusion in the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We identified no RCTs that met the inclusion criteria for the review, and as such, there is no evidence available from RCTs to assess the potential impact of interventions targeting children and adolescent e-cigarette use, tobacco use, or any unintended adverse effects. Evidence from studies employing other trial designs (e.g. non-randomised) may exist; however, such studies were not eligible for inclusion in the review. Evidence from studies using non-randomised designs should be examined to guide actions to prevent or cease e-cigarette use. This is a living systematic review. We search for new evidence every month and update the review when we identify relevant new evidence. Please refer to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the current status of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Barnes
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Heidi Turon
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Sam McCrabb
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Hodder
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Sze Lin Yoong
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute of Health Technology, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Emily Stockings
- Matilda Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alix E Hall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Caitlin Bialek
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jacob L Morrison
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia
- Population Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- National Centre of Implementation Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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Song MA, Kim JY, Gorr MW, Miller RA, Karpurapu M, Nguyen J, Patel D, Archer KJ, Pabla N, Shields PG, Wold LE, Christman JW, Chung S. Sex-specific lung inflammation and mitochondrial damage in a model of electronic cigarette exposure in asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L568-L579. [PMID: 37697923 PMCID: PMC11068405 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00033.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of electronic cigarette (EC) use among adult with asthma has continued to increase over time, in part due to the belief of being less harmful than smoking. However, the extent of their toxicity and the involved mechanisms contributing to the deleterious impact of EC exposure on patients with preexisting asthma have not been delineated. In the present project, we tested the hypothesis that EC use contributes to respiratory damage and worsening inflammation in the lungs of patients with asthma. To define the consequences of EC exposure in established asthma, we used a mouse model with/without preexisting asthma for short-term exposure to EC aerosols. C57/BL6J mice were sensitized and challenged with a DRA (dust mite, ragweed, Aspergillus fumigates, 200 µg/mL) mixture and exposed daily to EC with nicotine (2% nicotine in 30:70 propylene glycol: vegetable glycerin) or filtered air for 2 wk. The mice were evaluated at 24 h after the final EC exposure. After EC exposure in asthmatic mice, lung inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia were increased, whereas EC alone did not cause airway inflammation. Our data also show that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and a key mtDNA regulator, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), are reduced in asthmatic EC-exposed mice in a sex-dependent manner. Together, these results indicate that TFAM loss in lung epithelium following EC contributes to male-predominant sex pathological differences, including mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and remodeling in asthmatic airways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Respiratory immunity is dysregulated in preexisting asthma, and further perturbations by EC use could exacerbate asthma severity. However, the extent of their toxicity and the involved mechanisms contributing to the deleterious impact of EC exposure on patients with preexisting asthma have not been delineated. We found that EC has unique biological impacts in lungs and potential sex differences with loss of TFAM, a key mtDNA regulator, in lung epithelial region from our animal EC study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ae Song
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Matthew W Gorr
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Roy A Miller
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Manjula Karpurapu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Jackie Nguyen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Devki Patel
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Kellie J Archer
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Navjot Pabla
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Peter G Shields
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Loren E Wold
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - John W Christman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Sangwoon Chung
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
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10
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Hamann SL, Kungskulniti N, Charoenca N, Kasemsup V, Ruangkanchanasetr S, Jongkhajornpong P. Electronic Cigarette Harms: Aggregate Evidence Shows Damage to Biological Systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6808. [PMID: 37835078 PMCID: PMC10572885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of the harms of e-cigarettes has been unfolding slowly and has been documented in many reviews and reports worldwide. A narrative review of new evidence is presented since, as research has continued, newly aggregated evidence of the dangers of electronic cigarettes on the brain, heart, and lungs is vital to inform decisions on restricting the use of e-cigarettes. Several biomedical research databases were searched for electronic cigarette health effects, emphasizing reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Over 50 review studies, primarily in 2022 and 2023, illustrate some of the latest information on e-cigarette harms. Results show studies of respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular effects. Researchers call for expanding studies through new methods to elaborate on initial findings of multiple harms emerging in clinical investigations. Since the use of electronic cigarettes for adult cessation is not sanctioned in most countries, it is clear that health authorities see significant costs to the health of the general population if the promotion and use of electronic cigarettes occur worldwide. Regulatory action to control electronic cigarettes should consider the substantial evidence of electronic cigarette harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L. Hamann
- Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.H.); (V.K.); (S.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Nipapun Kungskulniti
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Thailand Health Promotion Institute, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Naowarut Charoenca
- Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Thailand Health Promotion Institute, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Vijj Kasemsup
- Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.H.); (V.K.); (S.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Suwanna Ruangkanchanasetr
- Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.H.); (V.K.); (S.R.); (P.J.)
| | - Passara Jongkhajornpong
- Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.L.H.); (V.K.); (S.R.); (P.J.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Crane LA, Asdigian NL, Fitzgerald MD. Looking Cool, Doing Tricks, Managing Stress, and Nicotine Addiction: Youth Perspectives on Nicotine Vaping and Implications for Prevention. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:964-974. [PMID: 37462022 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231189560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the contextual and psychosocial factors associated with youth vaping in Colorado, the state with the highest youth vaping rates in 2019, and to propose strategies for prevention interventions. DESIGN Focus groups. SETTING In-person. PARTICIPANTS 24 youth aged 11-17, including youth who had vaped (n = 11) and who had never vaped (n = 13). METHOD Qualitative responses using a semi-structured focus group guide were analyzed using a matrix approach with a mixed deductive/inductive content analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed the highly social nature of vaping initiation and use; the use of vaping to control negative emotions; and the acquisition of vaping products through retail outlets, friends, family, and other youth who sell a variety of substances and devices to youth. Youth provided insight into how vaping is concealed from parents and teachers, and their attitudes about the health risks and benefits of vaping. CONCLUSION When considered with other studies, our findings suggest a universality in the youth vaping experience that is highly social. Interventions should include peer-to-peer messaging with an emphasis on changing social norms and highlighting undesirable outcomes of vaping such as negative reactions by friends and close adults, adverse effects on athletic success and future aspirations, expense, addiction, and punishment. Parent education is also recommended. Rigorous research is needed to test interventions to reverse the growing trend of youth vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Crane
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nancy L Asdigian
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Monica D Fitzgerald
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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12
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Lotfata A, Moosazadeh M, Helbich M, Hoseini B. Socioeconomic and environmental determinants of asthma prevalence: a cross-sectional study at the U.S. County level using geographically weighted random forests. Int J Health Geogr 2023; 22:18. [PMID: 37563691 PMCID: PMC10413687 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have established associations between the prevalence of new-onset asthma and asthma exacerbation and socioeconomic and environmental determinants. However, research remains limited concerning the shape of these associations, the importance of the risk factors, and how these factors vary geographically. OBJECTIVE We aimed (1) to examine ecological associations between asthma prevalence and multiple socio-physical determinants in the United States; and (2) to assess geographic variations in their relative importance. METHODS Our study design is cross sectional based on county-level data for 2020 across the United States. We obtained self-reported asthma prevalence data of adults aged 18 years or older for each county. We applied conventional and geographically weighted random forest (GWRF) to investigate the associations between asthma prevalence and socioeconomic (e.g., poverty) and environmental determinants (e.g., air pollution and green space). To enhance the interpretability of the GWRF, we (1) assessed the shape of the associations through partial dependence plots, (2) ranked the determinants according to their global importance scores, and (3) mapped the local variable importance spatially. RESULTS Of the 3059 counties, the average asthma prevalence was 9.9 (standard deviation ± 0.99). The GWRF outperformed the conventional random forest. We found an indication, for example, that temperature was inversely associated with asthma prevalence, while poverty showed positive associations. The partial dependence plots showed that these associations had a non-linear shape. Ranking the socio-physical environmental factors concerning their global importance showed that smoking prevalence and depression prevalence were most relevant, while green space and limited language were of minor relevance. The local variable importance measures showed striking geographical differences. CONCLUSION Our findings strengthen the evidence that socio-physical environments play a role in explaining asthma prevalence, but their relevance seems to vary geographically. The results are vital for implementing future asthma prevention programs that should be tailor-made for specific areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynaz Lotfata
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Moosazadeh
- Integrated Engineering, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, KyungHee University, Yongin, 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Benyamin Hoseini
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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13
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Larcombe AN, Chivers EK, Huxley RR, Musk A(BW, Franklin PJ, Mullins BJ. Electronic Cigarette Usage Patterns and Perceptions in Adult Australians. TOXICS 2023; 11:290. [PMID: 36977055 PMCID: PMC10056955 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite their increasing popularity, and Australia's unique regulatory environment, how and why Australian adults use e-cigarettes and their perceptions of their safety, efficacy and regulation have not been extensively reported before. In this study, we screened 2217 adult Australians with the aim of assessing these questions in a sample of current or former e-cigarette users. A total of 505 out of 2217 respondents were current or former e-cigarette users, with only these respondents completing the full survey. Key findings of this survey included the high proportion of respondents who indicated they were currently using e-cigarettes (307 out of 2217 = 13.8%), and the high proportion of current e-cigarette users that were also smokers (74.6%). The majority of respondents used e-liquids containing nicotine (70.3%), despite it being illegal in Australia without a prescription, and the majority bought their devices and liquids in Australia (65.7%). Respondents reported using e-cigarettes in a variety of places, including inside the home, inside public places (where it is illegal to smoke tobacco cigarettes), and around other people-which has implications for second and third hand exposures. A significant proportion of current e-cigarette users (30.6%) thought that e-cigarettes were completely safe to use long-term, although in general, there was a large amount of uncertainty/ambivalence with respect to perceptions of e-cigarette safety and efficacy as smoking cessation tools. This study shows that e-cigarette use is common in Australia, and that appropriate dissemination of unbiased research findings on their safety and efficacy in smoking cessation is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N. Larcombe
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Emily K. Chivers
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rachel R. Huxley
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, NSW 2042, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Arthur (Bill) W. Musk
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Peter J. Franklin
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Mullins
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Han SG, Sillé FC, Mihalic JN, Rule AM. The relationship between the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and effects on pulmonary immune responses-a literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 221:115234. [PMID: 36634896 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or vaping, is a relatively recent phenomenon, and there are various gaps in our current knowledge regarding the specific effects of e-cigarettes, such as their immunological effects. The importance of this question became even more relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE This literature review examines the relationship between the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and immunological effects to examine available information and identify gaps in the current knowledge. Our search strategy included studies focusing on the effects of ENDS on the immune response during infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and pneumonia. METHODS Peer-reviewed studies presenting quantitative data published from 2007, the year that e-cigarettes were introduced to the US market until 2022 have been included. All studies were indexed in PubMed. We excluded papers on THC and EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury) as we wanted to focus on the effects of nicotine devices. RESULTS Among the 21 articles that assessed the relationship between ENDS and immunological health effects, we found eight studies based on cell models, two articles based on both cell and mouse models, five articles based on mouse models, and six studies of human populations. Most of the articles identified in our review demonstrated a potential association between vaping and adverse immunological health effects. DISCUSSION Overall, the evidence from the cell and animal studies indicates that there is a positive, statistically significant association between vaping and adverse immune response during infectious respiratory diseases. The evidence from human studies is not conclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Gyu Han
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Fenna Cm Sillé
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Jana N Mihalic
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Ana M Rule
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States.
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15
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Lin E, Fuentes AL, Patel A, Crotty Alexander LE. E-Cigarette: Friend or Foe? Respir Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24914-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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16
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Polosa R, Casale TB, Tashkin DP. A Close Look at Vaping in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2022; 10:2831-2842. [PMID: 35718259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vaping by adolescents and young adults is a legitimate concern as there is a risk that some may start smoking and that electronic cigarette (EC) use may have adverse effects in the developing lungs of adolescents. This commentary provides updated information on vaping patterns among adolescents and young adults in the United States, as well as the impact of EC usage on respiratory health. EC use has surged greatly among high school students and young adults over the last decade but fortunately has declined significantly since its peak in 2019. During the same time period, smoking rates have constantly fallen to new low record levels. These trends argue against EC use as a gateway to smoking. Most EC usage is infrequent and unlikely to increase a person's risk of negative health consequences. Furthermore, the majority of EC usage has happened among those who have previously smoked. There is a dearth of data on the long-term health implications of EC usage in adolescents and young adults. We do not know whether short-term or intermittent use of EC in youth can lead to negative health outcomes in adulthood, and long-term high-quality studies in well-defined groups are needed. Although vaping has been linked to respiratory symptoms, they tend to be transient and of uncertain significance. This commentary provides up-to-date information so health care providers can give objective and responsible medical advice on EC usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Polosa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR), Università di Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Addiction (CPCT), Teaching Hospital "Policlinico V. Emanuele," University of Catania, Catania, Italy; ECLAT Srl, Spin-off of the University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Institute of Internal Medicine, AOU "Policlinico V. Emanuele-S. Marco," Catania, Italy.
| | - Thomas B Casale
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy/Immunology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla
| | - Donald P Tashkin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Health Sciences, Los Angeles, Calif
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Asthma and Tobacco Smoking. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081231. [PMID: 36013180 PMCID: PMC9409665 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a prevalent chronic pulmonary condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Tobacco smoking is implicated in asthma pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Smokers display increased prevalence and incidence of asthma, but a causal association cannot be claimed using existing evidence. Second-hand smoking and passive exposure to tobacco in utero and early life have also been linked with asthma development. Currently, approximately one-fourth of asthma patients are smokers. Regular smokers with asthma might display accelerated lung function decline and non-reversible airflow limitation, making their distinction from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients challenging. Asthma patients who smoke typically have uncontrolled disease, as shown by increased symptoms, more exacerbations and impaired quality of life. On the other hand, smoking cessation improves lung function and asthma severity. Thus, asthma patients and their caregivers should be actively questioned about their smoking status at each medical encounter, and smoking cessation ought to be strongly encouraged both for patients with asthma and their close contacts. Smokers with asthma should be provided with comprehensive smoking cessation interventions on top of other anti-asthma medications.
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