Influence of electronic cigarette liquid flavors and nicotine concentration on subjective measures of abuse liability in young adult cigarette smokers.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the influence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquid flavors and nicotine concentration on subjective measures of abuse liability in young adult cigarette smokers. The study aimed to evaluate the extent to which e-cigarette liquid flavor and nicotine concentration influenced subjective measures of abuse liability among young adult cigarette smokers.

Key Points:

* The study included 20 young adult smokers who completed 7 Latin-square ordered conditions, each preceded by 12 hours of nicotine/tobacco abstinence.
* The conditions included own brand cigarettes (OB) and eGO-style e-cigarettes paired with three liquid flavors (cream, tropical fruit, tobacco/menthol) at either 0 or 36 mg/ml nicotine concentration.
* Products were administered in two 10-puff bouts in each condition, and heart rate, blood pressure, tobacco/nicotine abstinence symptoms, nicotine/general drug effects, and acceptability measures were assessed repeatedly throughout sessions.
* The results showed that nicotine exposure during nicotine-containing conditions was indicated by heart rate and blood pressure changes.
* The OB and tobacco/menthol 36 mg/ml conditions produced significant decreases in ratings of cigarette smoking urges.
* Nicotine/drug effects were elevated significantly for OB and 36 mg/ml e-cigarette conditions, except for the tobacco/menthol 0 mg/ml condition.
* OB had the highest acceptability ratings, and e-cigarette condition results varied by acceptability item.

Main Message:
The study suggests that among young adult smokers, e-cigarette conditions containing nicotine were positively associated with several subjective measures of abuse liability. however, flavors did not consistently mask or enhance effects observed. The results reinforce the need for continued examination of e-cigarette-delivered nicotine and liquid flavors in relationship to abuse liability. The findings have important implications for regulatory policies related to e-cigarette flavors and nicotine concentration.

Cobb CO, Lopez aa, Soule EK, et al. Influence of electronic cigarette liquid flavors and nicotine concentration on subjective measures of abuse liability in young adult cigarette smokers. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2019;203:27-34. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.05.024