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Lin W, Alfheeaid HA, Alasqah I, Alqarawi N, Alotaibi SA, Alribdi FF, Almutairi S, Lima MJ, Teixeira-Lemos E, Raposo A. Dietary Patterns among Smokers and Non-Smokers: Findings from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Nutrients 2024; 16:2035. [PMID: 38999783 PMCID: PMC11243715 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132035] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet behavior and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and improving quality of life. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Poor dietary choices, such as excessively frequenting restaurants, consuming ready-to-eat foods from grocery stores, and ingesting ultra-processed foods (like frozen meals and pizzas), can adversely impact health. Despite this, research comparing dietary behaviors between smokers and non-smokers is limited. Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2017-2018, we analyzed diet behavior based on smoking status. Our findings reveal that smokers had a significant increase (90%) in the frequency of consuming frozen meals/pizzas in the past 30 days compared to non-smokers (coefficient: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.6; p-value < 0.001). Additionally, over 70% of participants, regardless of their smoking status, were unaware of MyPlate, a nutritional guide created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage Americans to make healthier food choices. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness of MyPlate and promote a better understanding of healthy dietary behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Hani A. Alfheeaid
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ibrahim Alasqah
- Department of Community, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.)
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Nada Alqarawi
- Department of Community, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia; (I.A.); (N.A.)
| | - Saad Abdullah Alotaibi
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Sulaiman Almutairi
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Maria João Lima
- CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.J.L.); (E.T.-L.)
| | - Edite Teixeira-Lemos
- CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic University of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal; (M.J.L.); (E.T.-L.)
| | - António Raposo
- CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
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Lin W. Understanding the mediation effects of cigarettes per day on time to first cigarette and carcinogen biomarkers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2016. Tob Induc Dis 2024; 22:TID-22-103. [PMID: 38860151 PMCID: PMC11163879 DOI: 10.18332/tid/187766] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research indicates that cigarette smokers with a time to first cigarette (TTFC) of less than 30 minutes after waking up had significantly higher levels of carcinogen biomarkers compared to those with a TTFC of more than 30 minutes. The mediation (potential mediator: cigarettes smoked per day) between TTFC and carcinogen biomarkers, remains unclear and has yet to be established. METHODS Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted geometric means (GMs) and ratios of GMs for urine biomarkers of VOCs by smokers' TTFC status (≤30 vs >30 min). Further, data from the NHANES 2015-2016 special sample were analyzed to assess the mediation between TTFC (exposure) and carcinogen biomarkers, including urine metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and cadmium. RESULTS Cigarette smokers with a short TTFC (≤30 min) presented significantly higher concentrations in 8 out of 17 urine metabolites of VOCs examined compared to smokers with TTFC >30 min. The association between exposure and carcinogen biomarkers was not mediated by CPD. CONCLUSIONS Cigarette smokers with a short TTFC (≤30 min) had significantly higher levels in VOCs, PAHs, and cadmium, but the association was not mediated by cigarettes smoked per day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
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East K, Vu G, Sun T, D'Mello K, Perman-Howe PR, Taylor E, Nottage M, Brose LS, Robson D, McNeill A. Harm perceptions across vaping product features: An on-line cross-sectional survey of adults who smoke and/or vape in the United Kingdom. Addiction 2024. [PMID: 38839597 DOI: 10.1111/add.16572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vaping products are diverse with a wide variety of features, and popular products change rapidly. This study examined the features and types of vaping products that people who smoke and/or vape perceive contribute to the health harms of vaping. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This was a cross-sectional survey co-designed with adults who smoked/vaped and pre-registered. An on-line survey (November 2022) was used of a convenience sample of adults in the United Kingdom who smoked and/or vaped (n = 494). MEASUREMENTS As primary outcomes, respondents were asked to select any of 15 vaping product features they perceived might have any effect on the health harms of vaping (for each: selected, not selected). Independent variables were smoking/vaping status (smoke and vape; vape, formerly smoked; vape, never regularly smoked; smoke, do not currently vape); relative vaping harm perceptions [less harmful than smoking (accurate), equally/more harmful than smoking or do not know/refused (other)]. Binary logistic regressions were used to compare outcomes by current vaping/smoking status and relative harm perceptions, adjusting for age and sex. FINDINGS Most people (54.7%) selected between one and three features. The most frequently selected were nicotine concentration (62.2%) and amount of e-liquid consumed (59.1%), followed by nicotine type (e.g. salt or freebase; 33.0%), source/purchase location (25.3%), flavours (24.7%), temperature to heat e-liquid (21.1%), heat produced by device (20.9%), e-liquid brand (20.9%), amount of emissions (18.6%), device type (e.g. disposable, pod, tank; 17.2%), material of tank (17.0%), power/wattage (13.0%), device brand (8.1%), device size (4.1%) and device weight (2.4%). Higher nicotine concentrations, more e-liquid and salt (versus freebase) nicotine were perceived to confer greater harms. Disposables were perceived as slightly more harmful than reusable devices. There were few differences by current vaping/smoking status and between those with accurate (versus other) harm perceptions of vaping relative to smoking (P > 0.05 for most contrasts, adjusting for age and sex). CONCLUSIONS Certain features and types of vaping products [higher nicotine concentrations, more e-liquid consumed and salt (versus freebase) nicotine] were perceived to confer greater health harms among a sample of UK adults who smoked and/or vaped. Findings are consistent with pervasive misperceptions that nicotine is a major cause of harm, although e-liquid volume is likely to contribute to harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine East
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giang Vu
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tianze Sun
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kimberly D'Mello
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parvati Rose Perman-Howe
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Eve Taylor
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matilda Nottage
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Leonie Sarah Brose
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Robson
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ann McNeill
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Lin W. The Association between Body Mass Index and Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) in the US Population's Diabetes Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:517. [PMID: 38791732 PMCID: PMC11121031 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Obesity, indicated by Body Mass Index (BMI), is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a crucial indicator of blood-sugar control, may vary across different populations and disease statuses. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 were analyzed. Participants aged 18-79 years with complete information on BMI, diabetes status, and HbA1c were included (n = 4003). Linear regression models were used to assess the association between BMI and HbA1c, adjusting for demographic confounders, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and healthcare access. Among participants without diabetes, BMI was positively associated with HbA1c levels (coefficient: 0.015, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.02; p-value < 0.05), after adjusting for potential confounders. However, this association was not significant among those with diabetes (coefficient: -0.005, 95% CI: -0.05, 0.04; p-value > 0.1). Our findings suggest a differential relationship between BMI and HbA1c in individuals with and without diabetes. While BMI remains a significant predictor of HbA1c in non-diabetic individuals, its significance diminishes in those with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Lipperman-Kreda S, Sanders E, Annechino R, Peterkin E, Antin TMJ. Harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking among sexual and gender minority young adults. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:371-380. [PMID: 38258463 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13812] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To address gaps in existing research, the current study used a mixed-methods approach to describe, contextualise and understand harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking and associations with nicotine and tobacco (NT) use among young adults who identify their genders and sexualities in ways that classify them as sexual and gender minorities (SGM). METHODS Results are based on cross-sectional surveys and online qualitative interviews with 98 SGM young adults (18-25 years old) in California's San Francisco Bay Area who currently or formerly used combustible tobacco. We generated a measure assessing participants' relative harm perceptions of e-cigarette use versus cigarette smoking and identified those who perceived cigarette smoking as more harmful than e-cigarette use compared to those who perceived it to be equally or less harmful. RESULTS We found that relative harm perceptions of cigarette smoking versus e-cigarette use are likely related to much uncertainty and confusion about the harms of e-cigarette use. Moreover, findings illustrate that public health messages regarding the risks of e-cigarette use may have unintended consequences of increasing cigarette use to replace e-cigarette use for some SGM young adults, a practice that is incongruent with scientific evidence demonstrating that cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products are riskier than e-cigarettes and other forms of NT use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the need for evidence-based, clear, and direct messaging about the relative harms of cigarettes versus e-cigarettes to reduce NT-related inequities in SGM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lipperman-Kreda
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, USA
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Emile Sanders
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Rachelle Annechino
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Elaina Peterkin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
| | - Tamar M J Antin
- Center for Critical Public Health, Institute for Scientific Analysis, Alameda, USA
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Lin W. Disparities in Healthcare and HBV Vaccination by Smoking Status: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:41. [PMID: 38200947 PMCID: PMC10779267 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010041] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smokers face greater challenges in accessing healthcare compared with non-smokers. In the US, approximately 2.2 million individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). I used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 to investigate the association between smoking status (current, former, and never smoker) and different health outcomes, including healthcare accessibility, HBV vaccination, general health condition, and health insurance. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze healthcare disparity by smoking status. I found that current smokers had 40% higher odds (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.8) of lacking routine healthcare access compared with non-smokers. Regardless of smoking status, I observed a high rate of HBV non-vaccination among all participants. Specifically, 64% of current smokers, 67% of former smokers, and 57% of non-smokers had not received a single dose of HBV immunization. My study sheds light on the persisting gaps in healthcare access, particularly for smokers, and the urgent need to promote awareness and vaccination against hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Lin W. Knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses: A cross-sectional analysis of 2019 HINT Survey. Chronic Illn 2023:17423953231213853. [PMID: 37941341 DOI: 10.1177/17423953231213853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess and compare knowledge of the health consequences of heavy alcohol consumption among individuals with different substance use statuses. METHODS We used a cross-sectional study design to analyze the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, Cycle 3 (2019). Participants were classified into four categories based on their substance use status: (a) nonsmoker and nondrinkers; (b) nonsmokers but drinkers; (c) smokers but nondrinkers; and (d) smokers and drinkers. Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate the association between knowledge of heavy alcohol consumption and health conditions by participants' substance use status. RESULTS More than 79% of participants were aware that drinking too much alcohol causes liver disease. However, less than 40% of them realized that heavy alcohol consumption also contributes to cancer. The odds of correctly identifying heavy alcohol consumption as a risk factor for diabetes were 3.00 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29,7.00) higher among smokers but nondrinkers than smokers and alcohol drinkers. Education level was significantly associated with participants' awareness of risk factor (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION There is an urgent need for targeted educational campaigns and interventions to increase understanding of the impact of heavy alcohol consumption on cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lin W. Comparison of urine heavy metals in exclusive menthol and non-menthol cigarette users by race/ethnicity: The 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Special Sample. Tob Prev Cessat 2023; 9:22. [PMID: 37389307 PMCID: PMC10302213 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/167389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in urine concentrations of heavy metals (uranium, cadmium, and lead) between exclusive menthol and non-menthol cigarette smokers across three racial/ethnic groups using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 Special Sample. METHODS Data from NHANES 2015-2016 Special Sample were analyzed to assess the association between menthol smoking and heavy metal biomarkers in urine across three racial/ethnic groups (N=351), including Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic/Other (HISPO). Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted geometric means (GMs) and ratio of GMs (menthol/non-menthol smokers) (RGMs) for urine biomarkers of heavy metals between menthol and non-menthol smokers by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Among the 351 eligible participants, 34.4% (n=121) were NHW, 33.6% (n=118) were NHB, and 32.0% (n=112) were HISPO exclusive cigarette smokers. The analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations of urine uranium in NHB menthol smokers compared to NHB non-menthol smokers (RGMs=1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.6; p=0.04). NHW menthol smokers appeared to have higher levels of urine uranium than non-menthol smokers, but the difference was not statistically significant (9.0 vs 6.3; RGMs=1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-2.2; p=0.08). There were no significant differences in urine metals (cadmium and lead) by menthol status among NHW, NHB, or HISPO cigarette smokers (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The research findings regarding the higher levels of urine uranium among Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) menthol cigarette smokers raise questions about the claims suggesting that additives in cigarettes do not contribute to increased toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
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Wu G, Gong S, He Y, Liu D. Smoking is associated with elevated blood level of volatile organic compounds: a population-based analysis of NHANES 2017-2018. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:55. [PMID: 37055810 PMCID: PMC10103525 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01070-x] [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: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aims to explore the association between cigarette smoking with blood exposure to volatile organic compounds using population data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. METHODS Based on the data of NHANES 2017-2018, we identified 1117 participants aged 18 to 65 years, who had complete VOCs testing data and filled out the Smoking-Cigarette Use and Volatile Toxicant questionnaires. The participants consisted of 214 dual-smoking persons, 41 E-cigarette smokers, 293 combustible-cigarette smokers and 569 non-smokers. We used One-way ANOVA and Welch's ANOVA to compare differences of VOCs concentration among 4 groups and multivariable regression model to confirm the factors associated with VOCs concentration. RESULTS In dual-smoking and combustible-cigarette smokers, blood concentration of 2,5-Dimethylfuran, Benzene, Benzonitrile, Furan, Isobutyronitrile were higher than non-smokers. When compared with people who never smoked, E-cigarette smokers had similar blood concentrations of VOCs. Blood concentrations of Benzene, Furan, and Isobutyronitrile were significant higher in combustible-cigarette smokers than in E-cigarette smokers. In the multivariable regression model, dual-smoking and combustible-cigarette smoking were associated with elevated blood concentrations of several VOCs except 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, while E-cigarette smoking was only associated with elevated 2,5-Dimethylfuran concentration. CONCLUSIONS Smoking, mainly dual-smoking and combustible-cigarette smoking, is associated with elevated blood concentration of VOCs, while the effect is weak in E-cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjie Wu
- Department of pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei provinve, China
| | - Shiwei Gong
- School of pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huzhong University of Science and Technology, No.13 Hangkong Road, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei province, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei provinve, China.
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei provinve, China.
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Lin W, Hobkirk AL, Zhu J, Krebs NM, Hayes JE, Richie JP, Liao J, Horn K, Foulds J, Muscat JE. Effect of menthol on nicotine reduction: Pooled results from two double-blind randomized controlled trials. Brain Res Bull 2022; 189:131-138. [PMID: 36038015 PMCID: PMC10650975 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menthol upregulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and is associated with tobacco dependence. The effects of menthol when smoking cigarettes with varying low nicotine content up to 98 % (e.g., non-addicting) less than commercial cigarettes is not well understood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering two tobacco product standards in cigarettes including banning menthol and reducing nicotine content. These new standards have the potential to significantly reduce smoking initiation and maintenance by limiting the mechanistic effects of nicotine and menthol on the brain. METHODS We conducted two parallel randomized clinical trials of gradually reduced nicotine in cigarettes from 11.6 mg down to 0.2 mg nicotine/cigarette (very low nicotine content; VLNC) vs. usual nicotine content (11.6 mg; UNC) over an 18-week period in people who smoke cigarettes with low socioeconomic status (SES) and mental health conditions. RESULTS Compared to UNC, VLNC was associated with significant reductions in cotinine, cigarettes per day, expired carbon monoxide levels, nicotine dependence and symptomology. These associations did not differ between menthol and non-menthol cigarettes, except people who smoke menthol cigarettes had less of a cotinine reduction in the SES trial. The pooled odds ratio of being adherent with using only VLNC study cigarettes in the gradual nicotine reduction arm for people who smoke non-menthol vs. menthol cigarettes was 2.6 (95 % CI:1.0, 6.4; p-value: 0.04). CONCLUSIONS When nicotine is lowered to non-addicting levels, the results indicate an independent effect of menthol on the need to sustain nicotine intake in addicted people who smoke cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Lin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
| | - Andrea L Hobkirk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Junjia Zhu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Nicolle M Krebs
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - John E Hayes
- Sensory Evaluation Center, Pennsylvania State University, 220 Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States; Department of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 220 Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - John P Richie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Jason Liao
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Kimberly Horn
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States
| | - Jonathan Foulds
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Joshua E Muscat
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
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