Vaping electronic cigarettes is not without consequences for the health of the lungs, according to the results of a study published in the American Journal of Physiology. Inhaling liquid nicotine would modify the pulmonary immune system by altering more genes than regular cigarettes.
Researchers at the University of California in the United States recruited 13 non-smokers, 14 smokers and 12 e-cigarette users. Each participant kept a diary documenting their consumption of cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Scientists analyzed participants’ urine and blood samples to confirm levels of nicotine and biomarkers relevant to tobacco exposure.
After three weeks, the researchers took samples from the nasal passages of each participant to analyze the expression of genes important for the immune response of the lungs.
Electronic cigarettes alter 358 genes in the immune system of the lungs
The findings of this study showed that regular smoking reduced the expression of 53 genes important for the pulmonary immune response. The use of e-cigarettes has restricted the expression of 358 genes important for the immune defense of the lungs including the 53 genes involved in the group of traditional smokers.
“Research specifically suggests that inhaling vaporized liquids via e-cigarettes is not without effects on the level of gene expression of epithelial cells. This inhalation would lead to epigenetic modifications, ie gene expression and therefore production of proteins important for the health of our cells ”, explains Dr. Ilona Jaspers, professor of pediatrics and microbiology and immunology. , surprised by these conclusions.
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