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Lin W, Zhu J, Hayes JE, Richie JP, Muscat JE. Comparison of Carcinogen Biomarkers in Smokers of Menthol and Nonmenthol Cigarettes: The 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Special Sample. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:1539-1545. [PMID: 35654409 PMCID: PMC9357114 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-22-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US FDA announced its commitment to prohibiting menthol as a characterizing flavor in tobacco. The relationship between cigarette menthol and exposure to toxic substances in mainstream tobacco smoke is not well characterized. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015 to 2016 special sample were used to study markers of 26 harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHC) in tobacco smoke. These include urine metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and heavy metals in exclusive menthol (n = 162) and nonmenthol (n = 189) cigarette smokers. Urine metabolites of 7 PAHs, 15 VOCs, and 4 heavy metal biomarkers were compared by menthol status. Multivariable analyses were conducted on creatinine-adjusted concentrations. RESULTS There were no significant differences in cotinine levels or in 22 of 26 HPHCs. Among the urine metabolites of PAHs, the levels of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene were about 16% lower in menthol smokers. Among the urine metabolites of VOCs, menthol cigarette smokers presented significantly lower concentrations of acrylamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, and acrylonitrile. Menthol and nonmenthol smokers presented similar levels of heavy metals. Menthol did not affect the levels of cotinine and the nicotine metabolite ratio in urine. CONCLUSIONS Menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes deliver similar levels of most HPHCs. IMPACT Findings on toxicity are similar for menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Junjia Zhu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - John E Hayes
- Sensory Evaluation Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
- Department of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John P Richie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua E Muscat
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Gunawan T, Juliano LM. Differences in Smoking Topography and Subjective Responses to Smoking Among African American and White Menthol and Non-Menthol Smokers. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 22:1718-1725. [PMID: 32391555 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has been suggested that menthol increases exposure to harmful elements of smoking and makes smoking more rewarding, easier to initiate, and harder to quit. Isolating the direct effects of menthol is challenging as African American (AA) race and menthol preference are highly overlapping. This study evaluated smoking behavior and subjective responses among a balanced sample of AA and white menthol and non-menthol smokers. In addition, smoking topography (ST) was compared to naturalistic smoking (NS) and interactions with menthol and race were explored. AIMS AND METHODS Smokers (N = 100) smoked and rated their preferred brand of cigarettes via ST or NS during two laboratory visits (counterbalanced). RESULTS Controlling for baseline differences among the groups (eg, nicotine dependence), menthol smokers took shorter and smaller puffs and AA smokers took longer puffs, but there were no differences in total puff volume, carbon monoxide, or other ST parameters. Menthol smokers reported greater urge reduction and lower sensory stimulation. The smoking method (ST vs. NS) had no effects on smoking behavior or exposure. Cigarettes smoked via ST were rated stronger. Differences in satisfaction based on the smoking method interacted with race and menthol status. Ratings of aversion differed by race and menthol status. CONCLUSIONS Menthol was not associated with increased smoke exposure or reward (except for urge reduction). ST caused minimal experimental reactivity relative to NS. Additional research that isolates the effects of menthol and examines potential interactive effects with race and other variables is needed to better understand its role in smoking-related health disparities. IMPLICATIONS Menthol and non-menthol smokers differed on some demographic variables and menthol preference was associated with greater nicotine dependence and greater urge reduction after smoking. Menthol was not associated with greater smoke exposure. Future research that investigates the unique risks associated with menthol and examines potential interactive effects with race and other related variables is warranted to better understand the role of menthol in smoking-related health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Gunawan
- Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
| | - Laura M Juliano
- Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
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Bagdas D, Cam B, Gul Z, Scott MM, Tyndale RF, Buyukuysal RL, Damaj MI, Gurun MS. Impact of Menthol on Oral Nicotine Consumption in Female and Male Sprague Dawley Rats. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:196-203. [PMID: 30753589 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the preferable flavors in oral nicotine delivery systems is menthol which masks the harshness of tobacco. However, possible interactions between oral menthol and nicotine on intake and preference remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of menthol on oral nicotine consumption. METHODS Adult Sprague Dawley female and male rats (n = 8 per group) were given a choice of water or drug solution by using two-bottle free choice paradigm for 2 weeks: vehicle (5% ethanol), nicotine (20 mg/L), menthol (1 g/L) and mentholated nicotine groups. At the end of the study, plasma nicotine levels were determined. RESULTS When rats were given a choice of nicotine or water, nicotine intake was similar between female and male rats. Menthol addition to nicotine solution significantly increased nicotine intake and preference in male but not female rats without a considerable effect on total fluid intake and body weight change in either sex. The average nicotine intake in male rats was 0.5 ± 0.05 and 1.4 ± 0.12 mg/kg/day for nicotine and menthol-nicotine combination (p < .05), respectively. The average nicotine intake in female rats was 0.6 ± 0.05 and 0.6 ± 0.03 mg/kg/day for nicotine and menthol-nicotine combination (p > .05), respectively. Plasma nicotine levels were not significantly different between the groups in either male (nicotine group: 20.8 ± 4.9, mentholated nicotine group: 31.9 ± 3.2 ng/mL) or female (nicotine group: 24.0 ± 3.3, mentholated nicotine group: 17.8 ± 2.9 ng/mL) rats (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS Menthol increases oral nicotine consumption in male, but not female, rats. IMPLICATIONS This study may provide data on the co-use of menthol and nicotine in smokeless tobacco, particularly oral dissolvable tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Bagdas
- The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Betul Cam
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zulfiye Gul
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Michael M Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Rachel F Tyndale
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - M Imad Damaj
- The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Mine Sibel Gurun
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Lin AH, Liu MH, Ko HK, Perng DW, Lee TS, Kou YR. Menthol Cigarette Smoke Induces More Severe Lung Inflammation Than Non-menthol Cigarette Smoke Does in Mice With Subchronic Exposure - Role of TRPM8. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1817. [PMID: 30618827 PMCID: PMC6305452 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more severe lung inflammation is associated with menthol cigarette smoking compared to non-menthol cigarette smoking. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Menthol is an activator of transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8), which is also sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our recent in vitro study demonstrated that the extracts of menthol cigarette smoke (M-CS) can induce greater ROS-sensitive, TRPM8-mediated, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells than the extracts of non-menthol cigarette smoke (Non-M-CS) can. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that M-CS can induce more severe lung inflammation than Non-M-CS can via the additional action of menthol in M-CS on epithelial and lung TRPM8 in mice. Compared with Non-M-CS exposure, subchronic M-CS exposure for 7 days up-regulated the epithelial and lung expression of TRPM8, induced more vigorous activation of epithelial and lung MAPKs, and caused more severe lung inflammation. The MAPK activation was evidenced by the increased expression of phosphor-extracellular signal-regulated and phosphor-c-Jun N-terminal kinases. The lung inflammation was evidenced by pathohistological findings and increases in several inflammatory indices. Moreover, treatment with a TRPM8 antagonist (N-(3-aminopropyl)-2-{[(3-methylphenyl)methyl]oxy}-N-(2-thienylmethyl)benzamide; AMTB) greatly suppressed the MAPK activation and lung inflammation induced by Non-M-CS and M-CS, and the residual responses to these two types of CS did not differ. Conversely, the levels of biomarkers of acute CS exposure (20 min), including carboxyhemoglobin and cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) in blood plasma, and superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (two major types of ROS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, did not show significant differences in the mice with Non-M-CS and M-CS exposure. We concluded that M-CS could induce greater TRPM8-mediated activation of MAPKs and lung inflammation than Non-M-CS could in mice with subchronic exposure. The augmented inflammatory effects of M-CS are unlikely due to a larger total amount of CS inhaled, but may be caused by an additional stimulation of epithelial and lung TRPM8 by menthol in M-CS. A common stimulant (presumably ROS) generated by both CS types may also stimulate TRPM8, activate MAPKs, and induce lung inflammation because treatment with AMTB could reduce these responses to Non-M-CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Han Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Kuo Ko
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Diahn-Warng Perng
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shyuan Lee
- Graduate Institute and Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Ru Kou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Effect of overnight smoking abstinence on a marker for microglial activation: a [ 11C]DAA1106 positron emission tomography study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3525-3534. [PMID: 30343364 PMCID: PMC6497451 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5077-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Microglia are the main immune cells in the central nervous system and participate in neuroinflammation. When activated, microglia express increased levels of the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), thereby making TSPO availability a marker for neuroinflammation. Using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, our group recently demonstrated that smokers in the satiated state had 16.8% less binding of the radiotracer [11C]DAA1106 (a radioligand for TSPO) in the brain than nonsmokers. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the effect of overnight smoking abstinence on [11C]DAA1106 binding in the brain. METHODS Forty participants (22 smokers and 18 nonsmokers) completed the study (at one of two sites) and had usable data, which included images from a dynamic [11C]DAA1106 PET scanning session (with smokers having been abstinent for 17.9 ± 2.3 h) and a blood sample for TSPO genotyping. Whole brain standardized uptake values (SUVs) were determined, and analysis of variance was performed, with group (overnight abstinent smoker vs. nonsmoker), site, and TSPO genotype as factors, thereby controlling for site and genotype. RESULTS Overnight abstinent smokers had lower whole brain SUVs (by 15.5 and 17.0% for the two study sites) than nonsmokers (ANCOVA, P = 0.004). The groups did not significantly differ in injected radiotracer dose or body weight, which were used to calculate SUV. CONCLUSIONS These results in overnight abstinent smokers are similar to those in satiated smokers, indicating that chronic cigarette smoking leads to global impairment of microglial activation which persists into early abstinence. Other explanations for study results, such as smoking leading to reduced numbers of microglia or smokers having more rapid metabolism of the radiotracer than nonsmokers, are also possible.
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Smiley SL. Sociodemographic correlates of intention to quit smoking for good among U.S. adult menthol and non-menthol smokers: Evidence from the 2013-2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey. Tob Prev Cessat 2018; 4:22. [PMID: 32411848 PMCID: PMC7205077 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/90968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the U.S. significant progress has been made to reduce cigarette use, yet menthol cigarette use is a continuing public health problem, especially among young adults and Black/African Americans. Smoking cessation is warranted to reduce smoking-related diseases and premature death. Ample evidence has demonstrated that having an intention to quit smoking is strongly associated with attaining cessation. The objective of this study was to identify and compare the sociodemographic correlates of intention to quit smoking for good between menthol and non-menthol adult smokers in the U.S.. METHODS A cross-sectional secondary data analysis was conducted on the 2013- 2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze individual factors and their relation to intention to quit smoking for good. The total sample was nationally representative of the U.S. population and included 10 121 adult smokers aged ≥18 years. RESULTS Among menthol smokers, non-Hispanic Blacks (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.31, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.67) were significantly (p=0.03) more likely to have an intention to quit smoking for good compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Young adults aged 18-25 years (AOR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.58-0.85) were significantly (p=0.01) less likely to have an intention to quit compared to adults aged 50 years and older, and sexual minorities (i.e. lesbian, gay, bisexual) (AOR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.93) were significantly (p=0.03) less likely to have the intention to quit compared to heterosexuals. Among non-menthol smokers, adults aged 26-34 years (AOR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.13-1.88) and 35-49 years (AOR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.34-2.20) were significantly (p=0.01; p< 0.001, respectively) more likely to have an intention to quit smoking for good compared to those aged 50 years and older. CONCLUSIONS Study findings provide insight into the association of menthol cigarette consumption with intention to quit smoking for good, notably among Black Americans, young adults and sexual minorities. Smoking cessation efforts should consider demographics and menthol smoking status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Smiley
- Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Kim HS, Pack EC, Koo YJ, Lee YJ, Sung DK, Lee SH, Kim YS, Kwon KH, Lim KM, Jang DY, Choi DW. Quantitative analysis of menthol and identification of other flavoring ingredients in capsule cigarettes marketed in Korea. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 92:420-428. [PMID: 29309808 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Currently, capsule cigarettes have been introduced by tobacco industries and their sales have increased exponentially. However, the capsule flavoring ingredients and their safety are still unknown. Although the contents of menthol and other ingredients directly added to cigarettes have been determined extensively, no analogous study exists for menthol-containing cigarette capsules. Basic physical properties of capsules in all 31 different capsule cigarettes commercially available in Korea were investigated, and their menthol contents were determined in this study. Other ingredients in these capsules were also qualitatively analyzed; methyl octanoate, menthone and isopulegol as well as menthol were detected in all the capsules. There is considerable variability in basic physical properties and menthol contents of cigarette capsules depending on their brand styles. The menthol contents of capsules and whole cigarettes are similar or higher than those previously reported for conventional menthol cigarettes. This is the first report on the physical properties of capsules and the fact that a wide range of menthol contents in capsule cigarettes, regardless of flavor types, allows smokers to select menthol content to their liking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Soo Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Chul Pack
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Ji Koo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Jin Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Kwan Sung
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ha Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soon Kim
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeng Hee Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Lim
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Yong Jang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dal Woong Choi
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Lin AH, Liu MH, Ko HKB, Perng DW, Lee TS, Kou YR. Inflammatory Effects of Menthol vs. Non-menthol Cigarette Smoke Extract on Human Lung Epithelial Cells: A Double-Hit on TRPM8 by Reactive Oxygen Species and Menthol. Front Physiol 2017; 8:263. [PMID: 28496415 PMCID: PMC5406458 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who use menthol cigarettes may display more severe lung inflammation than those who smoke non-menthol cigarette. However, the mechanisms for this difference remain unclear. Menthol is a ligand of transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8), a Ca2+-permeant channel sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). We previously reported that exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) to non-menthol cigarette smoke extract (Non-M-CSE) triggers a cascade of inflammatory signaling leading to IL-8 induction. In this study, we used this in vitro model to compare the inflammatory effects of menthol cigarette smoke extract (M-CSE) and Non-M-CSE and delineate the mechanisms underlying the differences in their impacts. Compared with Non-M-CSE, M-CSE initially increased a similar level of extracellular ROS, suggesting the equivalent oxidant potency. However, M-CSE subsequently produced more remarkable elevations in intracellular Ca2+, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, and IL-8 induction. The extracellular ROS responses to both CSE types were totally inhibited by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC; a ROS scavenger). The intracellular Ca2+ responses to both CSE types were also totally prevented by NAC, AMTB (a TRPM8 antagonist), or EGTA (an extracellular Ca2+ chelator). The activation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling and induction of IL-8 to both CSE types were suppressed to similar levels by NAC, AMTB, or EGTA. These results suggest that, in addition to ROS generated by both CSE types, the menthol in M-CSE may act as another stimulus to further activate TRPM8 and induce the observed responses. We also found that menthol combined with Non-M-CSE induced greater responses of intracellular Ca2+ and IL-8 compared with Non-M-CSE alone. Moreover, we confirmed the essential role of TRPM8 in these responses to Non-M-CSE or M-CSE and the difference in these responses between the both CSE types using HBECs with TRPM8 knockdown and TRPM8 knockout, and using HEK293 cells transfected with hTRPM8. Thus, compared with exposure to Non-M-CSE, exposure to M-CSE induced greater TRPM8-mediated inflammatory responses in HBECs. These augmented effects may be due to a double-hit on lung epithelial TRPM8 by ROS generated from CSE and the menthol in M-CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Han Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Kuo B Ko
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Diahn-Warng Perng
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General HospitalTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shyuan Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Ru Kou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming UniversityTaipei, Taiwan
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Paschke M, Tkachenko A, Ackermann K, Hutzler C, Henkler F, Luch A. Activation of the cold-receptor TRPM8 by low levels of menthol in tobacco products. Toxicol Lett 2017; 271:50-57. [PMID: 28238800 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the cold-receptor TRPM8 by menthol or other tobacco additives can suppress natural defense reactions such as coughing that usually would become effective as involuntary resistance against the inhalation of fumes. In Europe menthol is only regulated as flavor, but can be used as additive as long as no characteristic mint-like aroma will become noticeable in the end-product tobacco. The question needs to be addressed of whether such comparatively minor contents would be sufficient to trigger a measurable activation of TRPM8. In this study, we have analyzed both the contents of menthol and other natural TRPM8 agonists in tobacco products and developed a bioassay to determine the minimum concentrations of selected agonists to activate the TRPM8 receptor in cultured cells. The data confirm menthol as strongest natural agonist investigated. Based on these experiments and previously published data, we have estimated both the minimum menthol concentrations in cigarette smoke and in tobacco that are expected to trigger measurable physiological effects. According to our assessments, TRPM8 activation is likely to occur when cigarettes contain more than 50 micrograms of menthol. Importantly, menthol contents in cigarettes far below the typical levels that require declaration as "mentholated" would be sufficient to activate sensory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Paschke
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Tkachenko
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Ackermann
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Hutzler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Henkler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Luch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Chemical and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Oviedo A, Lebrun S, Kogel U, Ho J, Tan WT, Titz B, Leroy P, Vuillaume G, Bera M, Martin F, Rodrigo G, Esposito M, Dempsey R, Ivanov NV, Hoeng J, Peitsch MC, Vanscheeuwijck P. Evaluation of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2. Part 6: 90-day OECD 413 rat inhalation study with systems toxicology endpoints demonstrates reduced exposure effects of a mentholated version compared with mentholated and non-mentholated cigarette smoke. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 81 Suppl 2:S93-S122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Biswas L, Harrison E, Gong Y, Avusula R, Lee J, Zhang M, Rousselle T, Lage J, Liu X. Enhancing effect of menthol on nicotine self-administration in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3417-27. [PMID: 27473365 PMCID: PMC4990499 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Tobacco smoking is a leading preventable cause of premature death in the USA. Menthol is a significant flavoring additive in tobacco products. Clinical evidence suggests that menthol may promote tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence. However, it is unclear whether menthol enhances the reinforcing actions of nicotine and thus facilitates nicotine consumption. This study employed a rat model of nicotine self-administration to examine the effects of menthol on nicotine-taking behavior. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in daily 1-h sessions to press a lever for intravenous nicotine self-administration under a fixed-ratio 5 schedule of reinforcement. In separate groups, rats self-administered nicotine at four different doses (0.0075, 0.015, 0.03, and 0.06 mg/kg/infusion). Five minutes prior to the two test sessions, menthol (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered intraperitoneally in all rats in a counterbalanced design within each group. In separate rats that self-administered 0.015 mg/kg/infusion nicotine, menthol dose-response function was determined. Menthol was also tested on food self-administration. RESULTS An inverted U-shaped nicotine dose-response curve was observed. Menthol pretreatment shifted the nicotine dose-response curve to the left. The facilitating effect of menthol on the self-administration of 0.015 mg/kg/infusion nicotine was dose-dependent, whereas it produced similar effects at doses above the threshold of 2.5 mg/kg. Menthol tended to suppress the self-administration of food pellets. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that menthol enhances the reinforcing effects of nicotine, and the effect of menthol was specific to nicotine. The findings suggest that menthol directly facilitates nicotine consumption, thereby contributing to tobacco smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Biswas
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Erin Harrison
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Yongzhen Gong
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Ramachandram Avusula
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Jonathan Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Meiyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Thomas Rousselle
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Janice Lage
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Xiu Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
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12
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Appleton S, Olegario RM, Lipowicz PJ. TSNA exposure from cigarette smoking: 18Years of urinary NNAL excretion data. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 68:269-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2013.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Alberg AJ, Brock MV, Ford JG, Samet JM, Spivack SD. Epidemiology of lung cancer: Diagnosis and management of lung cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2013; 143:e1S-e29S. [PMID: 23649439 DOI: 10.1378/chest.12-2345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ever since a lung cancer epidemic emerged in the mid-1900 s, the epidemiology of lung cancer has been intensively investigated to characterize its causes and patterns of occurrence. This report summarizes the key findings of this research. METHODS A detailed literature search provided the basis for a narrative review, identifying and summarizing key reports on population patterns and factors that affect lung cancer risk. RESULTS Established environmental risk factors for lung cancer include smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, occupational lung carcinogens, radiation, and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Cigarette smoking is the predominant cause of lung cancer and the leading worldwide cause of cancer death. Smoking prevalence in developing nations has increased, starting new lung cancer epidemics in these nations. A positive family history and acquired lung disease are examples of host factors that are clinically useful risk indicators. Risk prediction models based on lung cancer risk factors have been developed, but further refinement is needed to provide clinically useful risk stratification. Promising biomarkers of lung cancer risk and early detection have been identified, but none are ready for broad clinical application. CONCLUSIONS Almost all lung cancer deaths are caused by cigarette smoking, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts at tobacco control throughout the world. Further research is needed into the reasons underlying lung cancer disparities, the causes of lung cancer in never smokers, the potential role of HIV in lung carcinogenesis, and the development of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Alberg
- Hollings Cancer Center and the Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - Malcolm V Brock
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jean G Ford
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jonathan M Samet
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Simon D Spivack
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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Abstract
One-third of smokers primarily use menthol cigarettes and usage of these cigarettes leads to elevated serum nicotine levels and more difficulty quitting in standard treatment programmes. Previous brain imaging studies demonstrate that smoking (without regard to cigarette type) leads to up-regulation of β(2)*-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We sought to determine if menthol cigarette usage results in greater nAChR up-regulation than non-menthol cigarette usage. Altogether, 114 participants (22 menthol cigarette smokers, 41 non-menthol cigarette smokers and 51 non-smokers) underwent positron emission tomography scanning using the α(4)β(2)* nAChR radioligand 2-[(18)F]fluoro-A-85380 (2-FA). In comparing menthol to non-menthol cigarette smokers, an overall test of 2-FA total volume of distribution values revealed a significant between-group difference, resulting from menthol smokers having 9-28% higher α(4)β(2)* nAChR densities than non-menthol smokers across regions. In comparing the entire group of smokers to non-smokers, an overall test revealed a significant between-group difference, resulting from smokers having higher α(4)β(2)* nAChR levels in all regions studied (36-42%) other than thalamus (3%). Study results demonstrate that menthol smokers have greater up-regulation of nAChRs than non-menthol smokers. This difference is presumably related to higher nicotine exposure in menthol smokers, although other mechanisms for menthol influencing receptor density are possible. These results provide additional information about the severity of menthol cigarette use and may help explain why these smokers have more trouble quitting in standard treatment programmes.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Researchers have recently suggested that nicotine and carcinogen exposure as measured by biomarkers such as cotinine and NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) does not vary with cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) among Black smokers. Researchers have also suggested that nicotine exposure does not differ between menthol and nonmenthol smokers. In this study, we examine NNAL exposure for U.S. smokers by race, CPD, and menthol cigarette use. METHODS We analyzed urinary NNAL concentrations for more than 1500 everyday smokers participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007-2010. For purposes of comparison, we also analyzed serum cotinine concentrations for these smokers. We used linear regression analysis to estimate mean biomarker concentrations by CPD and race/ethnicity group and to examine the association between biomarker concentrations and menthol cigarette use by race/ethnicity group, controlling for other demographic and smoking characteristics. RESULTS Biomarker concentrations increased with CPD for White, Black, and Hispanic smokers although NNAL concentrations leveled off for Black smokers at lower CPD levels compared with other smokers. Mean NNAL concentrations were lower among menthol smokers compared with nonmenthol smokers among smokers overall (β = -0.165, p = .032) and White smokers (β = -0.207, p = .048). CONCLUSIONS We find evidence in national health survey data that nicotine and carcinogen exposure generally increases with CPD across race/ethnicity groups although the pattern of NNAL exposure differs by race/ethnicity group at high CPD levels. We also find evidence of differences in NNAL exposure for menthol smokers compared with nonmenthol smokers among smokers overall and White smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Rostron
- Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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Strasser AA, Ashare RL, Kaufman M, Tang KZ, Mesaros AC, Blair IA. The effect of menthol on cigarette smoking behaviors, biomarkers and subjective responses. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2013; 22:382-9. [PMID: 23334588 PMCID: PMC3596436 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-12-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration charged the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee with developing a report and recommendations about the effect of menthol in cigarettes on the public health. The purpose of this study was to examine smoking behaviors, biomarkers of exposure, and subjective responses when switching from a novel menthol cigarette to a non-menthol cigarette to isolate the effect of menthol and to approximate the effect a menthol ban might have on smokers. METHODS Thirty-two adult smokers completed this 35-day randomized, open-label, laboratory study. After a 5-day baseline period, participants were randomized to the experimental group (n = 22) where they would smoke menthol Camel crush for 15 days followed by 15 days of non-menthol Camel crush, or the control group (n = 10) where they smoked their own brand cigarette across all periods. Participants attended study visits every 5 days and completed measures of smoking rate, smoking topography, biomarkers of exposure, and subjective responses. RESULTS Although total puff volume tended to increase when the experimental group switched from menthol to non-menthol (P = 0.06), there were no corresponding increases in cigarette consumption or biomarkers of exposure (P > 0.1). Subjective ratings related to taste and smell decreased during the non-menthol period (P < 0.01), compared with the menthol. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest menthol has minimal impact on smoking behaviors, biomarkers of exposure, and subjective ratings. IMPACT When controlling for all other cigarette design features, menthol in cigarettes had minimal effect on outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Strasser
- Corresponding Author: Andrew A. Strasser, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Nicotine Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Suite 4100, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Arthur AE, Peterson KE, Rozek LS, Taylor JMG, Light E, Chepeha DB, Hébert JR, Terrell JE, Wolf GT, Duffy SA. Pretreatment dietary patterns, weight status, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prognosis. Am J Clin Nutr 2013; 97:360-8. [PMID: 23269814 PMCID: PMC3545683 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.044859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the association of diet and weight status with head and neck cancer outcomes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment dietary patterns and weight status are associated with head and neck cancer prognosis. DESIGN This was a longitudinal study of 542 patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer who completed food-frequency questionnaires and health surveys before treatment. Clinical data were abstracted from medical records and the Social Security Death Index. Dietary patterns were identified by using principal component analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of derived dietary patterns (fit by quintiles of exposure) and weight status with time to recurrence and survival, with control for covariates. RESULTS During the study period, there were 229 deaths and 184 recurrences. Two dietary patterns were identified: a whole-foods pattern (characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains) and a Western pattern (characterized by high intakes of red and processed meats, refined grains, potatoes, and French fries). In multivariable analyses, significantly fewer deaths were observed in subjects most adherent to the whole-foods pattern (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.92; P-trend = 0.01). Subjects classified as overweight or obese had significantly fewer deaths (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.85; P = 0.001) and recurrences (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.95; P = 0.02) than did normal-weight or underweight subjects. CONCLUSION Consumption of a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains and being overweight before diagnosis with head and neck cancer are associated with a better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Arthur
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0482, USA
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Jones MR, Apelberg BJ, Tellez-Plaza M, Samet JM, Navas-Acien A. Menthol cigarettes, race/ethnicity, and biomarkers of tobacco use in U.S. adults: the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012; 22:224-32. [PMID: 23250935 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-12-0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, cigarette flavorings are banned, with the exception of menthol. The cooling effects of menthol could facilitate the absorption of tobacco toxicants. We examined levels of biomarkers of tobacco exposure among U.S. smokers of menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes. METHODS We studied 4,603 White, African-American, and Mexican-American current smokers 20 years of age or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 through 2010 and had data on cigarette type and serum cotinine, blood cadmium, and blood lead concentrations. Urinary total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol) (NNAL) was studied in 1,607 participants with available measures. RESULTS A total of 3,210 (74.3%) participants smoked nonmenthol cigarettes compared with 1,393 (25.7%) participants who smoked menthol cigarettes. The geometric mean concentrations comparing smokers of nonmenthol with menthol cigarettes were 163.1 versus 175.9 ng/mL for serum cotinine; 0.95 versus 1.02 μg/L for blood cadmium; 1.87 versus 1.75 μg/dL for blood lead; and 0.27 versus 0.23 ng/mL for urine NNAL. After multivariable adjustment, the ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] comparing smokers of menthol with nonmenthol cigarettes were 1.03 (0.95-1.11) for cotinine, 1.10 (1.04-1.16) for cadmium, 0.95 (0.90-1.01) for lead, and 0.81 (0.65-1.01) for NNAL. CONCLUSIONS In a representative sample of U.S. adult smokers, current menthol cigarette use was associated with increased concentration of blood cadmium, an established carcinogen and highly toxic metal, but not with other biomarkers. IMPACT These findings provide information regarding possible differences in exposure to toxic constituents among menthol cigarette smokers compared with nonmenthol cigarette smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda R Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Jones MR, Apelberg BJ, Samet JM, Navas-Acien A. Smoking, menthol cigarettes, and peripheral artery disease in U.S. adults. Nicotine Tob Res 2012; 15:1183-9. [PMID: 23212436 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nts253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cigarette flavorings, with the exception of menthol, have been banned in the United States under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Given the large number of menthol cigarette smokers in the United States, we investigated whether cigarette type (nonmenthol or menthol) is associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS The authors studied 5,973 adults, 40 years of age and older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004. Smoking status and cigarette type were derived from self-reported questionnaires. PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial blood pressure index <0.9 in at least 1 leg. RESULTS Fifty percent of participants were never-smokers compared to 31%, 14%, and 5% of former, current nonmenthol, and current menthol cigarette smokers, respectively. The weighted prevalence of PAD in the study population was 5%. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios for PAD were 1.44 (95% CI: 0.97, 2.15), 3.65 (95% CI: 1.57, 8.50), and 2.51 (95% CI: 1.09, 5.80) comparing former, current nonmenthol cigarette smokers, and current menthol cigarette smokers to never-smokers. The associations between smoking and PAD were similar for smokers of nonmenthol and menthol cigarettes (p value for heterogeneity = .59). CONCLUSIONS In a representative sample of the U.S. population, current use of both menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes was associated with increased prevalence of PAD, with no difference in risk between cigarette types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda R Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Peters RJ, Kelder SH, Johnson RJ, Prokhorov AV, Meshack A, Jefferson T, Essien EJ. Cigarette smoking topography among alternative school youth: why African American youth smoke less but are at higher long-term risk. J Psychoactive Drugs 2012; 44:252-8. [PMID: 23061325 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2012.703514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A paradox exists in health disparities research where African-American cigarette smokers consume fewer cigarettes per day, yet experience higher rates of tobacco-related disease compared to White American smokers. In this study we conducted focus group interviews among alternative high school youth (N = 78; age 18-19 years old) in an urban area in Southwest Texas to investigate if African-American youth smoke cigarettes differently than their White-American and Hispanic-American counterparts. The majority of African-American participants reported inhaling deeper and smoking their cigarettes "to the filter" because of their concern over wasting any part of an expensive cigarette. White and Hispanic respondents most often put out their cigarettes closer to the middle, and did not express concern about wasting cigarettes. The implication from this qualitative study is that because African Americans smoke differently they are exposed to a higher level of harmful particulate per cigarette. Further research on smoking topography is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Peters
- University of Texas-Houston, School of Public Health, 7000 Fannin, Suite 2618, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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21
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Muscat JE. Menthol Cigarettes and Lung Cancer Mortality. Nicotine Tob Res 2012; 14:1246-7; author reply 1248. [DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nts156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Muscat JE, Liu HP, Stellman SD, Richie JP. Menthol smoking in relation to time to first cigarette and cotinine: results from a community-based study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2012; 63:166-70. [PMID: 22487419 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Smokers who have their first cigarette shortly after waking, an indicator of nicotine dependence, have substantially higher cotinine levels. There is controversy regarding the role of menthol in nicotine dependence. We hypothesized that menthol smokers have a shorter time to first cigarette (TTFC), and tested whether any statistical association actually reflects increased dependence by measuring nicotine uptake (e.g. cotinine) in the same group of smokers. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted that included 495 black and white daily cigarette smokers. Results showed a trend between menthol smoking and a shorter TTFC (P < 0.04 in blacks). Menthol was not an independent predictor of cotinine or an effect modifier with TTFC on cotinine levels in blacks and whites. These results show that while menthol in tobacco is associated with an indicator of nicotine dependence in blacks, menthol was not associated with biological uptake of nicotine in black and white smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Muscat
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Brinkman MC, Chuang JC, Gordon SM, Kim H, Kroeger RR, Polzin GM, Richter PA. Exposure to and deposition of fine and ultrafine particles in smokers of menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes. Inhal Toxicol 2012; 24:255-69. [PMID: 22486344 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2012.667218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on the deposition of mainstream smoke particulate in the respiratory tract of smokers is needed to understand how exposure may vary based on cigarette menthol content. METHODS We conducted a nine-participant crossover study in which smokers were randomly assigned to cigarettes differing primarily in menthol content. Participants smoked the test cigarettes ad libitum for one week, provided spot urine samples, and then smoked four test cigarettes in a laboratory session; this was repeated for the other test cigarette in week two. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter in exhaled breath were characterized, and smoking behavior was monitored. Participant-specific mainstream smoke, generated using each participant's topography data, was characterized. During home smoking, participants collected their spent test cigarette butts for estimates of mouth-level exposures (MLE) to mainstream nicotine and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). RESULTS Participant-specific mainstream smoke NNK was higher (39%) and daily MLE to NNK was also higher (52%) when participants smoked the menthol cigarette. Nicotine was not significantly different. Participants retained more ultrafine particulate (43%) and fine particulate benzo(a)pyrene (43%) when smoking the menthol cigarette. There were no significant differences in the levels of urinary biomarkers for nicotine, NNK, or pyrene. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the use of noninvasive real-time techniques to measure exposure differences between cigarettes differing primarily in menthol content. Differences between NNK exposure, ultrafine particle and benzo(a)pyrene deposition, and smoking behavior were observed. Additional research using these techniques with cigarettes that differ only in menthol content is required to unequivocally attribute the exposure differences to presence or absence of menthol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle C Brinkman
- Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation , Columbus, OH 43201, USA.
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Roemer E, Schorp MK, Piadé JJ, Seeman JI, Leyden DE, Haussmann HJ. Scientific assessment of the use of sugars as cigarette tobacco ingredients: a review of published and other publicly available studies. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:244-78. [PMID: 22263649 PMCID: PMC3296517 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2011.650789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Sugars, such as sucrose or invert sugar, have been used as tobacco ingredients in American-blend cigarettes to replenish the sugars lost during curing of the Burley component of the blended tobacco in order to maintain a balanced flavor. Chemical-analytical studies of the mainstream smoke of research cigarettes with various sugar application levels revealed that most of the smoke constituents determined did not show any sugar-related changes in yields (per mg nicotine), while ten constituents were found to either increase (formaldehyde, acrolein, 2-butanone, isoprene, benzene, toluene, benzo[k]fluoranthene) or decrease (4-aminobiphenyl, N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosonornicotine) in a statistically significant manner with increasing sugar application levels. Such constituent yields were modeled into constituent uptake distributions using simulations of nicotine uptake distributions generated on the basis of published nicotine biomonitoring data, which were multiplied by the constituent/nicotine ratios determined in the current analysis. These simulations revealed extensive overlaps for the constituent uptake distributions with and without sugar application. Moreover, the differences in smoke composition did not lead to relevant changes in the activity in in vitro or in vivo assays. The potential impact of using sugars as tobacco ingredients was further assessed in an indirect manner by comparing published data from markets with predominantly American-blend or Virginia-type (no added sugars) cigarettes. No relevant difference was found between these markets for smoking prevalence, intensity, some markers of dependence, nicotine uptake, or mortality from smoking-related lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In conclusion, thorough examination of the data available suggests that the use of sugars as ingredients in cigarette tobacco does not increase the inherent risk and harm of cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewald Roemer
- Philip Morris International Management S.A., Operations Technical Services, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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Abobo CV, Ma J, Liang D. Effect of menthol on nicotine pharmacokinetics in rats after cigarette smoke inhalation. Nicotine Tob Res 2012; 14:801-8. [PMID: 22311961 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effect of menthol on nicotine disposition is important in understanding smoking behaviors among different racial groups. The present study was to evaluate whether menthol affects the pharmacokinetics of nicotine after cigarette smoke inhalation. METHODS Rats were exposed to mainstream smoke from either a nonmentholated or mentholated cigarette (1 puff/min for 10 min) using a smoke inhalation apparatus. For the multiple-cigarette smoke inhalation, rats received the smoke from either nonmentholated or mentholated cigarette (10 puffs) every 12 hr for a total of 17 cigarettes. Serial blood samples were collected during the 10-min inhalation phase for the single-cigarette smoke or the 17th cigarette inhalation and for 30 hr thereafter. Nicotine and its major metabolite cotinine were assayed by radioimmunoassay methods. RESULTS Following single-cigarette smoke inhalation, mentholated cigarettes significantly decreased the mean peak concentrations of nicotine in plasma (C(max)) from 27.1 to 9.61 ng/ml and the total area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC) from 977 to 391 ng min/ml as compared with those after nonmentholated cigarette smoke inhalation. C(max) and AUC values for cotinine were also significantly reduced by menthol. Similarly after multiple smoke inhalation, C(max), AUC, and the mean average steady-state plasma concentration of nicotine as well as cotinine were significantly lower in mentholated cigarette inhalation. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in the cotinine to nicotine AUC ratio from 13.8 for the nonmentholated to 21.1 for the mentholated cigarette. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that menthol in mentholated cigarettes can substantially decrease the absorption and/or increase the clearance of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril V Abobo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
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Faseru B, Choi WS, Krebill R, Mayo MS, Nollen NL, Okuyemi KS, Ahluwalia JS, Cox LS. Factors associated with smoking menthol cigarettes among treatment-seeking African American light smokers. Addict Behav 2011; 36:1321-4. [PMID: 21816543 PMCID: PMC3179803 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking menthol cigarettes is more prevalent among African Americans (AA) compared to Whites. Menthol has been found to be inversely related to smoking cessation among AA, yet little is known about the factors associated with menthol smoking among AA light smokers. This study examines baseline demographic, psychological, and smoking factors associated with smoking menthol cigarettes among AA light smokers (≤10 cigarettes per day). METHODS Participants (n=540) were enrolled in a double blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of bupropion in combination with health education counseling for smoking cessation. Bivariate differences between menthol and non-menthol smokers were explored and baseline factors associated with smoking menthol cigarettes were identified. RESULTS Participants averaged 46.5 years in age, predominantly female (66.1%), and smoked an average of 8.0 cpd (SD=2.5). The majority (83.7%) smoked menthol cigarettes. In bivariate analysis, menthol cigarette smokers were younger (mean age: 45 vs. 52 years p<0.0001), were more likely to be female (68% vs. 52% p=0.003) and had smoked for shorter duration (28 vs. 34 years p<0.0001) compared to non-menthol smokers. While depression and withdrawal scores were slightly higher and exhaled carbon monoxide values were lower among menthol smokers, the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Among AA light smokers, younger individuals and females were more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes and may be more susceptible to the health effects of smoking. Appropriately targeted health education campaigns are needed to prevent smoking uptake in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babalola Faseru
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Nelson PR, Chen P, Dixon M, Steichen T. A survey of mouth level exposure to cigarette smoke in the United States. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 61:S25-38. [PMID: 20937343 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Smoke yields determined by a machine-based smoking method cannot adequately predict exposures experienced by human smokers. In this work, a filter analysis technique which addresses this fundamental limitation was used to measure mouth level exposures (MLE) to tar and nicotine in 1330 smokers of 26 brand-styles of US cigarettes covering a wide range of machine-generated yields. Despite the high degree of variability observed among individual smokers, MLEs were significantly correlated with machine-derived tar and nicotine yields (r=0.423 for nicotine MLE/cigarette; r=0.493 for tar MLE/cigarette; p<0.001 for both). Mean tar and nicotine MLE was higher for males than for females. Mean MLE across races was generally similar. Menthol cigarettes tended toward lower MLE than non-menthol cigarettes and King-Size cigarettes (≈ 83 mm) tended toward lower MLE than 100's cigarettes (≈ 100 mm), though those trends were not statistically significant. There were good agreements between MLEs measured in a group of 159 subjects smoking their usual cigarette brand-style on two separate occasions and between two independent groups of subjects smoking the same brand-styles. The results indicated that the filter analysis method used had sufficient precision to show similarity among groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Nelson
- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, P.O. Box 1487, Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1487, USA.
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Clark PI, Gardiner P. Menthol should not be given a free pass based on studies of biomarkers of toxicity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011; 20:1269-71. [PMID: 21737409 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure and toxicity studies comparing menthol and nonmenthol cigarettes have resulted in mixed results. On the basis of those results, cigarette manufacturers have concluded that there is no increased harm from the addition of menthol to cigarettes. We propose that such a narrow definition of harm is not appropriate in dealing with the issue of menthol, and its broader negative public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela I Clark
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Hoffman AC. The health effects of menthol cigarettes as compared to non-menthol cigarettes. Tob Induc Dis 2011; 9 Suppl 1:S7. [PMID: 21624153 PMCID: PMC3102906 DOI: 10.1186/1617-9625-9-s1-s7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1920s, menthol has been added to cigarettes and used as a characterizing flavor. The health effects of cigarette smoking are well documented, however the health effects of menthol cigarettes as compared to non-menthol cigarettes is less well studied. This review discusses menthol’s effects on 1) biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure, 2) toxicity and cellular effects, 3) lung function and respiration, 4) pulmonary and/or vascular function, 5) allergic reactions and inflammation, and 6) tobacco-related diseases. It is concluded that menthol is a biologically active compound that has effects by itself and in conjunction with nicotine, however much of the data on the other areas of interest are inconclusive and firm conclusions cannot be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison C Hoffman
- Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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30
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Benowitz NL, Dains KM, Dempsey D, Wilson M, Jacob P. Racial differences in the relationship between number of cigarettes smoked and nicotine and carcinogen exposure. Nicotine Tob Res 2011; 13:772-83. [PMID: 21546441 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Black smokers are reported to have higher lung cancer rates and greater tobacco dependence at lower levels of cigarette consumption compared to non-Hispanic White smokers. We studied the relationship between cigarettes per day (CPD) and biomarkers of nicotine and carcinogen exposure in Black and White smokers. METHODS In 128 Black and White smokers, we measured plasma nicotine and its main proximate metabolite cotinine, urine nicotine equivalents, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3)pyridyl-1-butanol (NNAL), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites. RESULTS The dose-response between CPD and nicotine equivalents, and NNAL and PAH was flat for Black but positive for White smokers (Race × CPD interaction, all ps < .05). Regression estimates for the Race × CPD interactions were 0.042 (95% CI 0.013-0.070), 0.054 (0.023-0.086), and 0.028 (0.004-0.052) for urine nicotine equivalents, NNAL, and PAHs, respectively. In contrast there was a strong correlation between nicotine equivalents and NNAL and PAH independent of race. Nicotine and carcinogen exposure per individual cigarette was inversely related to CPD. This inverse correlation was stronger in Black compared to White smokers and stronger in menthol compared to regular cigarette smokers (not mutually adjusted). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Blacks on average smoke cigarettes differently than White smokers such that CPD predicts smoke intake more poorly in Black than in White smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal L Benowitz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-1220, USA.
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31
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Yerger VB. Menthol's potential effects on nicotine dependence: a tobacco industry perspective. Tob Control 2011; 20 Suppl 2:ii29-36. [PMID: 21504929 PMCID: PMC3088468 DOI: 10.1136/tc.2010.041970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine what the tobacco industry knows about the potential effects menthol may have on nicotine dependence. METHODS A snowball strategy was used to systematically search the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library (http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/) between 22 February and 29 April, 2010. Of the approximately 11 million documents available in the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library, the iterative searches returned tens of thousands of results. We qualitatively analysed a final collection of 309 documents relevant the effects of menthol on nicotine dependence. RESULTS The tobacco industry knows that menthol overrides the harsh taste of tobacco and alleviates nicotine's irritating effects, synergistically interacts with nicotine, stimulates the trigeminal nerve to elicit a 'liking' response for a tobacco product, and makes low tar, low nicotine tobacco products more acceptable to smokers than non-mentholated low delivery products. CONCLUSION Menthol is not only used in cigarettes as a flavour additive; tobacco companies know that menthol also has sensory effects and interacts with nicotine to produce tobacco products that are easier to smoke, thereby making it easier to expose smokers, especially those who are new and uninitiated, to the addictive power of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie B Yerger
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Box 0612, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0612, USA.
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Lee PN. Systematic review of the epidemiological evidence comparing lung cancer risk in smokers of mentholated and unmentholated cigarettes. BMC Pulm Med 2011; 11:18. [PMID: 21501470 PMCID: PMC3103484 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2466-11-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND US mentholated cigarette sales have increased considerably over 50 years. Preference for mentholated cigarettes is markedly higher in Black people. While menthol itself is not genotoxic or carcinogenic, its acute respiratory effects might affect inhalation of cigarette smoke. This possibility seems consistent with the higher lung cancer risk in Black men, despite Black people smoking less and starting smoking later than White people. Despite experimental data suggesting similar carcinogenicity of mentholated and non-mentholated cigarettes, the lack of convincing evidence that mentholation increases puffing, inhalation or smoke uptake, and the similarity of lung cancer rates in Black and White females, a review of cigarette mentholation and lung cancer is timely given current regulatory interest in the topic. METHODS Epidemiological studies comparing lung cancer risk in mentholated and non-mentholated cigarette smokers were identified from MedLine and other sources. Study details were extracted and strengths and weaknesses assessed. Relative risk estimates were extracted, or derived, for ever mentholated use and for long-term use, overall and by gender, race, and current/ever smoking, and meta-analyses conducted. RESULTS Eight generally good quality studies were identified, with valid cases and controls, and appropriate adjustment for age, gender, race and smoking. The studies afforded good power to detect possible effects. However, only one study presented results by histological type, none adjusted for occupation or diet, and some provided no results by length of mentholated cigarette use.The data do not suggest any effect of mentholation on lung cancer risk. Adjusted relative risk estimates for ever use vary from 0.81 to 1.12, giving a combined estimate of 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.84-1.02, n = 8), with no increase in males (1.01, 0.84-1.22, n = 5), females (0.80, 0.67-0.95, n = 5), White people (0.87, 0.75-1.03, n = 4) or Black people (0.90, 0.73-1.10, n = 4). Estimates for current and ever smokers are similar. The combined estimate for long-term use (0.95, 0.80-1.13, n = 4) again suggests no effect of mentholation. CONCLUSION Higher lung cancer rates in Black males cannot be due to their greater preference for mentholated cigarettes. While some study weaknesses exist, the epidemiological evidence is consistent with mentholation having no effect on the lung carcinogenicity of cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Lee
- P.N. Lee Statistics and Computing Ltd, Surrey, UK.
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Caraballo RS, Holiday DB, Stellman SD, Mowery PD, Giovino GA, Muscat JE, Eriksen MP, Bernert JT, Richter PA, Kozlowski LT. Comparison of serum cotinine concentration within and across smokers of menthol and nonmenthol cigarette brands among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white U.S. adult smokers, 2001-2006. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011; 20:1329-40. [PMID: 21430301 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-10-1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is examining options for regulating menthol content in cigarettes. There are many pharmacologic properties of menthol that may facilitate exposure to tobacco smoke, and it has been suggested that the preference for menthol cigarettes in black smokers accounts for their higher cotinine levels. OBJECTIVE To assess cigarettes smoked per day-adjusted cotinine levels in relation to smoking a menthol or nonmenthol cigarette brand among non-Hispanic black and white U.S. adult smokers under natural smoking conditions. METHOD Serum cotinine concentrations were measured in 1,943 smokers participating in the 2001 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The effect of smoking a menthol brand on cigarettes smoked per day-adjusted serum cotinine levels in these two populations was modeled by adjusting for sex, age, number of smokers living in the home, body weight, time since last smoked, and FTC (Federal Trade Commission)-measured nicotine levels. The 8- or 12-digit Universal Product Code (UPC) on the cigarette label was used to determine the cigarette brand and whether it was menthol. RESULTS Smoking a menthol cigarette brand versus smoking a nonmenthol cigarette brand was not associated (P ≥ 0.05) with mean serum cotinine concentration in either black or white smokers. CONCLUSIONS The higher levels of cotinine observed in black smokers compared with white smokers are not explained by their higher preference for menthol cigarette brands. IMPACT Further studies like ours are needed to improve our ability to understand health consequences of future changes in tobacco product design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph S Caraballo
- Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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Xia Y, Bernert JT, Jain RB, Ashley DL, Pirkle JL. Tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) in smokers in the United States: NHANES 2007-2008. Biomarkers 2011; 16:112-9. [PMID: 21114376 DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2010.533288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), a metabolite of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), has been measured in urine samples from all participants aged 6 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008. Participants with a serum cotinine concentration of ≥ 10 ng/mL were identified as tobacco users, primarily cigarette smokers. Regression models were developed to calculate geometric mean NNAL concentrations adjusted for serum cotinine, urinary creatinine, cigarettes per day, and Federal Trade Commission tar values of the cigarettes smoked. Significant differences were found by gender (p=0.003) and race/ethnicity (p=0.022 for non-Hispanic white versus non-Hispanic black smokers), but not by menthol type of the cigarettes. Females and non-Hispanic white smokers had the highest adjusted means for urinary NNAL (353 and 336 pg/mL, respectively). The results from this study demonstrated significant relationships between NNAL concentrations and serum cotinine (p<0.001) and urine creatinine (p<0.001). The joint effect of linear and quadratic terms for number of cigarettes smoked per day was also statistically significant (p=0.001). In addition to addressing current NNK exposure levels, these results will form a baseline for future estimates of tobacco users' exposure to this carcinogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xia
- Division of Laboratory Science, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA.
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Benowitz NL, Dains KM, Dempsey D, Havel C, Wilson M, Jacob P. Urine menthol as a biomarker of mentholated cigarette smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010; 19:3013-9. [PMID: 20962297 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-10-0706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Menthol cigarettes are smoked by 27% of U.S. smokers, and there are concerns that menthol might enhance toxicity of cigarette smoking by increasing systemic absorption of smoke toxins. We measured urine menthol concentrations in relation to biomarkers of exposure to nicotine and tobacco carcinogens. METHODS Concentrations of menthol glucuronide (using a novel analytical method), nicotine plus metabolites (nicotine equivalents, NE), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites were measured in the urine of 60 menthol and 67 regular cigarette smokers. RESULTS Urine menthol was measurable in 82% of menthol and 54% in regular cigarette smokers. Among menthol smokers, urine menthol was highly correlated with NE, NNAL, and PAHs. In a multiple regression model NE but not menthol was significantly associated with NNAL and PAHs. CONCLUSIONS Urine menthol concentration is a novel biomarker of exposure in menthol cigarette smokers, and is highly correlated with exposure to nicotine and carcinogens. Menthol is not independently associated with carcinogen exposure when nicotine intake is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal L Benowitz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical Service, San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-1220, USA.
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Wang J, Roethig HJ, Appleton S, Werley M, Muhammad-Kah R, Mendes P. The effect of menthol containing cigarettes on adult smokers' exposure to nicotine and carbon monoxide. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2010; 57:24-30. [PMID: 20025920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2009] [Revised: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There is limited information comparing biomarkers of exposure (BOE) to cigarette smoke in menthol (MS) and non-menthol cigarette smokers (NMS). OBJECTIVE To compare BOE to nicotine and carbon monoxide in MS and NMS. METHODS Cross-sectional, observational, ambulatory, multi-centre study in 3341 adult cigarette smokers. Nicotine equivalents (NE) in 24h urine, NE/cigarette, COHb and serum cotinine were measured. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Analyses of variance revealed no statistically significant effects of mentholated cigarettes on NE/24h, COHb, serum cotinine and NE/cigarette. On average MS smoked 15.0 and NMS 16.8 cigarettes/day. The unadjusted mean differences were as follows: MS had lower NE/24h (5.4%) and COHb (3.2%), higher serum cotinine (3.0%) and NE/cigarette (5.7%) than NMS. African-Americans MS smoked 40% fewer cigarettes, showed lower NE/24h (24%) and COHb (10%) and higher NE/cig (29%) and serum cotinine (8%) levels than their White counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Smoking mentholated cigarettes does not increase daily exposure to smoke constituents as measured by NE and COHb. These findings are consistent with the majority of epidemiological studies indicating no difference in smoking related risks between MS and NMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhu Wang
- Altria Client Services Inc., Center for Research and Technology, 601 E. Jackson Street, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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Heck JD. A review and assessment of menthol employed as a cigarette flavoring ingredient. Food Chem Toxicol 2010; 48 Suppl 2:S1-38. [PMID: 20113860 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is established as a substantial contributor to risks for cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Less is known about the potential of cigarette composition to affect smoking risks. The use of cigarette flavoring ingredients such as menthol is currently of worldwide public health and regulatory interest. The unique conditions of menthol inhalation exposure that occur coincident with that of the complex cigarette smoke aerosol require specialized studies to support an assessment of its safety in cigarette flavoring applications. The present state of knowledge is sufficient to support an assessment of the safety of the use of menthol in cigarettes. Scientific, smoking behavioral and epidemiological data available through mid-2009 is critically reviewed and a broad convergence of findings supports a judgment that menthol employed as a cigarette tobacco flavoring ingredient does not meaningfully affect the inherent toxicity of cigarette smoke or the human risks that attend smoking. There remains a need for well-designed studies of the potential of menthol to affect smoking initiation, cessation and addiction in order to differentiate any independent effects of menthol in cigarettes from those imposed by socioeconomic, environmental and peer influences on these complex human behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Daniel Heck
- Scientific Affairs, AW Spears Research Center, Lorillard Tobacco Company, PO Box 21688, Greensboro, NC 27420-1688, USA.
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Berg JZ, Mason J, Boettcher AJ, Hatsukami DK, Murphy SE. Nicotine metabolism in African Americans and European Americans: variation in glucuronidation by ethnicity and UGT2B10 haplotype. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 332:202-9. [PMID: 19786624 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.159855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine is the major addictive agent in tobacco smoke, and it is metabolized extensively by oxidation and glucuronide conjugation. The contributions of ethnicity and UGT2B10 haplotype on variation in nicotine metabolism were investigated. Nicotine metabolism was evaluated in two populations of smokers. In one population of African American and European American smokers (n = 93), nicotine and its metabolites were analyzed in plasma and 24-h urine over 3 days while participants were abstinent and at steady state on the nicotine patch. In a second study of smokers (n = 84), the relationship of a UGT2B10 haplotype linked with D67Y to nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation levels was determined. We observed that both African American ethnicity and the UGT2B10 D67Y allele were associated with a low glucuronidation phenotype. African Americans excreted less nicotine and cotinine as their glucuronide conjugates compared with European Americans; percentage of nicotine glucuronidation, 18.1 versus 29.3 (p < 0.002) and percentage of cotinine glucuronidation, 41.4 versus 61.7 (p < 0.0001). In smokers with a UGT2B10 Tyr67 allele, glucuronide conjugation of nicotine and cotinine was decreased by 20% compared with smokers without this allele. Two key outcomes are reported here. First, the observation that African Americans have lower nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation was confirmed in a population of abstinent smokers on the nicotine patch. Second, we provide the first convincing evidence that UGT2B10 is a key catalyst of these glucuronidation pathways in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Zinggeler Berg
- Department of Biochemistry, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Correction: Article on Exposure Biomarkers of Menthol and Nonmenthol Smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-7-cor1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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