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Besaratinia A, Blumenfeld H, Tommasi S. Exploring the Utility of Long Non-Coding RNAs for Assessing the Health Consequences of Vaping. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8554. [PMID: 39126120 PMCID: PMC11313266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158554] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Electronic cigarette (e-cig) use, otherwise known as "vaping", is widespread among adolescent never-smokers and adult smokers seeking a less-harmful alternative to combustible tobacco products. To date, however, the long-term health consequences of vaping are largely unknown. Many toxicants and carcinogens present in e-cig vapor and tobacco smoke exert their biological effects through epigenetic changes that can cause dysregulation of disease-related genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as prime regulators of gene expression in health and disease states. A large body of research has shown that lncRNAs regulate genes involved in the pathogenesis of smoking-associated diseases; however, the utility of lncRNAs for assessing the disease-causing potential of vaping remains to be fully determined. A limited but growing number of studies has shown that lncRNAs mediate dysregulation of disease-related genes in cells and tissues of vapers as well as cells treated in vitro with e-cig aerosol extract. This review article provides an overview of the evolution of e-cig technology, trends in use, and controversies on the safety, efficacy, and health risks or potential benefits of vaping relative to smoking. While highlighting the importance of lncRNAs in cell biology and disease, it summarizes the current and ongoing research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs on gene regulation and disease pathogenesis in e-cig users and in vitro experimental settings. The gaps in knowledge are identified, priorities for future research are highlighted, and the importance of empirical data for tobacco products regulation and public health is underscored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (H.B.); (S.T.)
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Tommasi S, Blumenfeld H, Besaratinia A. Vaping Dose, Device Type, and E-Liquid Flavor are Determinants of DNA Damage in Electronic Cigarette Users. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1145-1154. [PMID: 36780924 PMCID: PMC10202635 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad003] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the widespread use of electronic cigarettes, the long-term health consequences of vaping are largely unknown. AIMS AND METHODS We investigated the DNA-damaging effects of vaping as compared to smoking in healthy adults, including "exclusive" vapers (never smokers), cigarette smokers only, and nonusers, matched for age, gender, and race (N = 72). Following biochemical verification of vaping or smoking status, we quantified DNA damage in oral epithelial cells of our study subjects, using a long-amplicon quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS We detected significantly increased levels of DNA damage in both vapers and smokers as compared to nonusers (p = .005 and p = .020, respectively). While the mean levels of DNA damage did not differ significantly between vapers and smokers (p = .522), damage levels increased dose-dependently, from light users to heavy users, in both vapers and smokers as compared to nonusers. Among vapers, pod users followed by mod users, and those who used sweet-, mint or menthol-, and fruit-flavored e-liquids, respectively, showed the highest levels of DNA damage. The nicotine content of e-liquid was not a predictor of DNA damage in vapers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration of a dose-dependent formation of DNA damage in vapers who had never smoked cigarettes. Our data support a role for product characteristics, specifically device type and e-liquid flavor, in the induction of DNA damage in vapers. Given the popularity of pod and mod devices and the preferability of sweet-, mint or menthol-, and fruit-flavored e-liquids by both adult- and youth vapers, our findings can have significant implications for public health and tobacco products regulation. IMPLICATIONS We demonstrate a dose-dependent formation of DNA damage in oral cells from vapers who had never smoked tobacco cigarettes as well as exclusive cigarette smokers. Device type and e-liquid flavor determine the extent of DNA damage detected in vapers. Users of pod devices followed by mod users, and those who use sweet-, mint or menthol-, and fruit-flavored e-liquids, respectively, show the highest levels of DNA damage when compared to nonusers. Given the popularity of pod and mod devices and the preferability of these same flavors of e-liquid by both adult- and youth vapers, our findings can have significant implications for public health and tobacco products regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Tommasi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Hannah Blumenfeld
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Factors affecting tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis product use among California young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Addict Behav Rep 2022; 16:100470. [PMCID: PMC9661417 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of COVID-19 on tobacco use and cannabis has been variable, and it is unclear the extent to which factors affecting changes in tobacco and cannabis use differ. The purpose of this study was to identify the COVID-19-related factors that affect changes in tobacco and cannabis use during the pandemic. Focus groups with 114 young adults in California in April 2021 were held to discuss tobacco and cannabis use patterns, adverse events, and the effect of COVID-19 on tobacco and cannabis product use. Factors affecting changes in use were largely similar between tobacco products and cannabis products. Drivers of increased cannabis use distinct from tobacco or nicotine product use included feeling greater freedom to disengage and perceptions of less harm. Increases in product use were a result of changing social environment, coping with emotional and psychological distress, and product related factors. Decreases in product use were a result of social isolation, COVID-19-related health concerns, disruptions in daily patterns of living, and reduced access. Improved understanding of how the pandemic has affected tobacco and cannabis use can inform tailored interventions to both support those who have decreases or quit and assist those who have increased use during the pandemic to reduce or cease their consumption.
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Nicotine in Combination with SARS-CoV-2 Affects Cells Viability, Inflammatory Response and Ultrastructural Integrity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169488. [PMID: 36012747 PMCID: PMC9409480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of our study are to: (i) investigate the ability of nicotine to modulate the expression level of inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2; (ii) elucidate the ultrastructural features caused by the combination nicotine+SARS-CoV-2; and (iii) demonstrate the mechanism of action. In this study, A549 cells pretreated with nicotine were either exposed to LPS or poly(I:C), or infected with SARS-CoV-2. Treated and untreated cells were analyzed for cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and ultrastructural modifications. Vero E6 cells were used as a positive reference. Cells pretreated with nicotine showed a decrease of IL6 and TNFα in A549 cells induced by LPS or poly(I:C). In contrast, cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 showed a high increase of IL6, IL8, IL10 and TNFα, high cytopathic effects that were dose- and time-dependent, and profound ultrastructural modifications. These modifications were characterized by membrane ruptures and fragmentation, the swelling of cytosol and mitochondria, the release of cytoplasmic content in extracellular spaces (including osmiophilic granules), the fragmentation of endoplasmic reticulum, and chromatin disorganization. Nicotine increased SARS-CoV-2 cytopathic effects, elevating the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and inducing severe cellular damage, with features resembling pyroptosis and necroptosis. The protective role of nicotine in COVID-19 is definitively ruled out.
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Assessing Smoking Status and Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Machine Learning Approach among Veterans. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071244. [PMID: 35885771 PMCID: PMC9319659 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of smoking in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. We used a retrospective cohort design to study data from veterans’ Electronic Medical Record to assess the impact of smoking on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Veterans tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus from 02/01/2020 to 02/28/2021 were classified as: Never Smokers (NS), Former Smokers (FS), and Current Smokers (CS). We report the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for potential confounders obtained from a cascade machine learning algorithm. We found a 19.6% positivity rate among 1,176,306 veterans tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The positivity proportion among NS (22.0%) was higher compared with FS (19.2%) and CS (11.5%). The adjusted odds of testing positive for CS (aOR:0.51; 95%CI: 0.50, 0.52) and FS (aOR:0.89; 95%CI:0.88, 0.90) were significantly lower compared with NS. Four pre-existing conditions, including dementia, lower respiratory infections, pneumonia, and septic shock, were associated with a higher risk of testing positive, whereas the use of the decongestant drug phenylephrine or having a history of cancer were associated with a lower risk. CS and FS compared with NS had lower risks of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. These findings highlight our evolving understanding of the role of smoking status on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Zajac L, Gallate X, Gu G, Liu B, Elaiho C, Lin E, Mogilner L, Oliver K, Vangeepuram N, Wilson K. Disparities in Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Incursions Among New York City Families During Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2022; 28:248-257. [PMID: 34750327 PMCID: PMC8963431 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Once the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in New York City (NYC), stay-at-home orders led to more time spent indoors, potentially increasing exposure to secondhand marijuana and tobacco smoke via incursions from common areas or neighbors. The objective of this study was to characterize housing-based disparities in marijuana and tobacco incursions in NYC housing during the pandemic. DESIGN We surveyed a random sample of families from May to July 2020 and collected sociodemographic data, housing characteristics, and the presence, frequency, and pandemic-related change in incursions. SETTING Five pediatric practices affiliated with a large NYC health care system. PARTICIPANTS In total, 230 caregivers of children attending the practices. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence and change in tobacco and marijuana smoke incursions. RESULTS Tobacco and marijuana smoke incursions were reported by 22.9% and 30.7%, respectively. Twenty-two percent of families received financial housing support (public housing, Section-8). Compared with families in private housing, families with financial housing support had 3.8 times the odds of tobacco incursions (95% CI, 1.4-10.1) and 3.7 times the odds of worsening incursions during pandemic (95% CI, 1.1-12.5). Families with financially supported housing had 6.9 times the odds of marijuana incursions (95% CI, 2.4-19.5) and 5 times the odds of worsening incursions during pandemic (95% CI, 1.9-12.8). Children in financially supported housing spent more time inside the home during pandemic (median 24 hours vs 21.6 hours, P = .02) and were more likely to have asthma (37% vs 12.9%, P = .001) than children in private housing. CONCLUSIONS Incursions were higher among families with financially supported housing. Better enforcement of existing regulations (eg, Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule) and implementation of additional policies to limit secondhand tobacco and marijuana exposure in children are needed. Such actions should prioritize equitable access to cessation and mental health services and consider structural systems leading to poverty and health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Zajac
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Xanthe Gallate
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Gregory Gu
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Bian Liu
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Cordelia Elaiho
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Elaine Lin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Leora Mogilner
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Kristin Oliver
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Nita Vangeepuram
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
| | - Karen Wilson
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (Drs Zajac and Oliver), Department of Pediatrics, and Kravis Children's Hospital (Ms Elaiho and Drs Lin, Mogilner, Vangeepuram, and Wilson), Medical Education (Ms Gallate), and Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and Institute for Translational Epidemiology (Dr Liu), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York; and Columbia University Post-Baccalaureate Program, New York City, New York (Mr Gu)
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Besaratinia A, Caceres A, Tommasi S. DNA Hydroxymethylation in Smoking-Associated Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2657. [PMID: 35269796 PMCID: PMC8910185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) was first detected in mammalian DNA five decades ago. However, it did not take center stage in the field of epigenetics until 2009, when ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was found to oxidize 5-methylcytosine to 5-hmC, thus offering a long-awaited mechanism for active DNA demethylation. Since then, a remarkable body of research has implicated DNA hydroxymethylation in pluripotency, differentiation, neural system development, aging, and pathogenesis of numerous diseases, especially cancer. Here, we focus on DNA hydroxymethylation in smoking-associated carcinogenesis to highlight the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic potentials of this epigenetic mark. We describe the significance of 5-hmC in DNA demethylation, the importance of substrates and cofactors in TET-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation, the regulation of TETs and related genes (isocitrate dehydrogenases, fumarate hydratase, and succinate dehydrogenase), the cell-type dependency and genomic distribution of 5-hmC, and the functional role of 5-hmC in the epigenetic regulation of transcription. We showcase examples of studies on three major smoking-associated cancers, including lung, bladder, and colorectal cancers, to summarize the current state of knowledge, outstanding questions, and future direction in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population & Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (A.C.); (S.T.)
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Harris CC. Editor-In-Chief's Editorial 2022 January Issue 43:1. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1. [PMID: 35037690 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
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Boraldi F, Lofaro FD, Cossarizza A, Quaglino D. The "Elastic Perspective" of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031559. [PMID: 35163482 PMCID: PMC8835950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastin represents the structural component of the extracellular matrix providing elastic recoil to tissues such as skin, blood vessels and lungs. Elastogenic cells secrete soluble tropoelastin monomers into the extracellular space where these monomers associate with other matrix proteins (e.g., microfibrils and glycoproteins) and are crosslinked by lysyl oxidase to form insoluble fibres. Once elastic fibres are formed, they are very stable, highly resistant to degradation and have an almost negligible turnover. However, there are circumstances, mainly related to inflammatory conditions, where increased proteolytic degradation of elastic fibres may lead to consequences of major clinical relevance. In severely affected COVID-19 patients, for instance, the massive recruitment and activation of neutrophils is responsible for the profuse release of elastases and other proteolytic enzymes which cause the irreversible degradation of elastic fibres. Within the lungs, destruction of the elastic network may lead to the permanent impairment of pulmonary function, thus suggesting that elastases can be a promising target to preserve the elastic component in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, intrinsic and extrinsic factors additionally contributing to damaging the elastic component and to increasing the spread and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Boraldi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
| | - Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
| | - Andrea Cossarizza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Daniela Quaglino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.B.); (F.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Besaratinia A. From Tobacco Cigarettes to Electronic Cigarettes: The Two Sides of a Nicotine Coin. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:790634. [PMID: 35048076 PMCID: PMC8757837 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.790634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and cancer in multiple organ sites, are the leading causes of preventable death, worldwide. Youth electronic cigarette use (vaping) is an evolving public health problem in the United States and around the world. Many of the same toxicants and carcinogens present in tobacco smoke are also found in electronic cigarette vapor, although mostly at substantially lower levels. The reduced concentrations of these chemicals in electronic cigarette vapor may imply lower health risk; however, they cannot equate to no risk. To date, the long-term health consequences of vaping are largely unknown. This “Perspective” provides a concise chronology of events leading up to an unprecedented global challenge, namely the convergence of global tobacco epidemic and youth vaping epidemic. Current state of knowledge, outstanding questions in the field, present challenges, and future directions in research are highlighted. The existing data show a continued and dynamic evolution of the converged epidemics. The goal should be to prevent youth vaping while improving smoking cessation strategies. In smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking, the objective should be to provide “provably” safe or less-harmful alternatives, which should “completely” or “substantially” substitute tobacco cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Tommasi S, Pabustan N, Li M, Chen Y, Siegmund KD, Besaratinia A. A novel role for vaping in mitochondrial gene dysregulation and inflammation fundamental to disease development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22773. [PMID: 34815430 PMCID: PMC8611078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01965-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We constructed and analyzed the whole transcriptome in leukocytes of healthy adult vapers (with/without a history of smoking), ‘exclusive’ cigarette smokers, and controls (non-users of any tobacco products). Furthermore, we performed single-gene validation of expression data, and biochemical validation of vaping/smoking status by plasma cotinine measurement. Computational modeling, combining primary analysis (age- and sex-adjusted limmaVoom) and sensitivity analysis (cumulative e-liquid- and pack-year modeling), revealed that ‘current’ vaping, but not ‘past’ smoking, is significantly associated with gene dysregulation in vapers. Comparative analysis of the gene networks and canonical pathways dysregulated in vapers and smokers showed strikingly similar patterns in the two groups, although the extent of transcriptomic changes was more pronounced in smokers than vapers. Of significance is the preferential targeting of mitochondrial genes in both vapers and smokers, concurrent with impaired functional networks, which drive mitochondrial DNA-related disorders. Equally significant is the dysregulation of immune response genes in vapers and smokers, modulated by upstream cytokines, including members of the interleukin and interferon family, which play a crucial role in inflammation. Our findings accord with the growing evidence on the central role of mitochondria as signaling organelles involved in immunity and inflammatory response, which are fundamental to disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Tommasi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Niccolo Pabustan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Meng Li
- USC Libraries Bioinformatics Service, University of Southern California, NML 203, M/C 9130, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Yibu Chen
- USC Libraries Bioinformatics Service, University of Southern California, NML 203, M/C 9130, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Kimberly D Siegmund
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Park MJ, Seo YG, Noh HM, Kim Y, Yoon JL, Paek YJ. Effectiveness of National Residential Smoking Cessation Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9901. [PMID: 34574823 PMCID: PMC8466792 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Korean national five-day residential smoking cessation program and the factors affecting the long-term smoking cessation of participants. The residential smoking cessation program (2017-2018) recruited smokers with a smoking duration ≥ 20 years and who have attempted to quit smoking more than twice and/or smokers with chronic morbidities. Participants underwent an intensive intervention, including individual psychological therapy, group therapy, medical counseling, and pharmacotherapy. The 6-month continuous abstinence rate (CAR) was assessed via self-reports, the urine cotinine levels, and/or expired-air carbon monoxide levels. Logistic regression was used to analyze the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) to assess factors related to smoking cessation. Overall, 484 participants who completed the residential program and questionnaire were evaluated. The 3- and 6-month CAR were 81.82% and 63.22%, respectively. The aOR of 6-month continuous abstinence was lower among participants with severe nicotine dependence (aOR: 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.81) and higher among participants with combination therapy of varenicline with short-term nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (aOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07-2.51), with higher self-efficacy (aOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.15-3.37). The residential smoking cessation program was effective. High self-efficacy, combination therapy of varenicline with short-term NRT, and low nicotine dependence were associated with a high 6-month CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jeong Park
- Department of Family Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong 18450, Korea; (M.-J.P.); (J.L.Y.)
| | - Young-Gyun Seo
- Department of Family Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea; (Y.-G.S.); (H.-M.N.)
| | - Hye-Mi Noh
- Department of Family Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea; (Y.-G.S.); (H.-M.N.)
| | - Yeol Kim
- National Cancer Center, Division of Center for Cancer Prevention and Detection, Goyang 10408, Korea;
- National Cancer Center, National Cancer Control Institute, Goyang 10408, Korea
| | - Jong Lull Yoon
- Department of Family Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong 18450, Korea; (M.-J.P.); (J.L.Y.)
| | - Yu-Jin Paek
- Department of Family Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea; (Y.-G.S.); (H.-M.N.)
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