Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to evaluate urine propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as potential markers for distinguishing electronic cigarette (ECIG) users from non-users and verifying ECIG abstinence. The study analyzed urine samples from 51 ECIG users and 50 non-users.
Key Points:
* The study found that ECIG users had higher mean urine PG concentrations compared to non-users, and this concentration decreased after 12 hours of ECIG abstinence.
* ECIG users had lower mean urine VG concentrations compared to non-users, and this concentration increased after 12 hours of ECIG abstinence.
* The study suggests that urine PG may be useful for discriminating ECIG users from non-users and verifying short-term abstinence.
* The study controlled for recent combustible tobacco use and confirmed non-ECIG/tobacco use status through a semi-quantitative test for urine cotinine and an expired air CO sample.
* The study used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to determine urine concentrations of cotinine, PG, and VG.
* The study adjusted urine PG and VG concentrations for creatinine.
* The study included a predominantly Caucasian sample, with an uneven distribution of men and women across the ECIG and control groups.
Main Message:
The study suggests that urine PG may be a useful marker for discriminating ECIG users from non-users and verifying short-term abstinence. however, the study has some limitations, such as the small and predominantly Caucasian sample, and the lack of a comparison group of cigarette smokers and/or dual users. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the clinical and regulatory implications of using urine PG as a biomarker for ECIG use and abstinence.
Citation
hiler M, Breland a, Wolf CE, Poklis JL, Nanco CR, Eissenberg T. are Urine Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin Markers of E-cigarette Use or abstinence? Tobacco regulatory science. 2020;6(4):235-241. doi:10.18001/trs.6.4.2
