Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect in the Lungs of Smokers, Nonsmokers, and Electronic Cigarette Users.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nicotine-containing electronic cigarette (e-cig) use has become widespread. However, understanding the biological impact of e-cigs compared with smoking on the lung is needed. There are major gaps in knowledge for chronic effects and for an etiology to recent acute lung toxicity leading to death among vapers.

Methods

We conducted bronchoscopies in a cross-sectional study of 73 subjects (42 never-smokers, 15 e-cig users, and 16 smokers). Using bronchoalveolar lavage and brushings, we examined lung inflammation by cell counts, cytokines, genome-wide gene expression, and DNA methylation.

Results

There were statistically significant differences among never-smokers, e-cig users, and smokers for inflammatory cell counts and cytokines (FDR q < 0.1). The e-c

SUBMITTER: Song MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7064803 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature