Specific biomarker comparison in current smokers, e-cigarette users, and non-smokers.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) through a pooling study of two different research projects. The study compares tobacco-specific biomarkers (cotinine and nitrosamines: NNK, NNaL, NNN) and e-cigarette biomarkers (glycerol, 1,2-PD, 1,3-PD) across five groups: non-smokers, e-cigarette exclusive users without nicotine, e-cigarette exclusive users with nicotine, smokers, and dual users (e-cigarette and tobacco). The study aims to add evidence to the existing gap in the literature regarding the health effects of e-cigarette use.

Key Points:

* The study includes two different research projects: one on e-cigarette users and another on tobacco smoking patterns.
* The study obtained saliva samples from 409 non-smokers, 154 exclusive tobacco smokers, 38 exclusive e-cigarette users without nicotine, 158 exclusive e-cigarette users with nicotine, and 92 dual users.
* Cotinine concentration was significantly higher in nicotine consumers and e-cigarette exclusive users without nicotine compared to non-smokers.
* NNN and NNaL were significantly lower in e-cigarette exclusive users with nicotine compared to smokers, but higher in e-cigarette users without nicotine compared to non-smokers.
* No differences were found in humectant biomarkers between e-cigarette groups.
* The study suggests that e-cigarette use may not be risk-free, as there are still high levels of harmful biomarkers found in e-cigarette users compared to non-smokers.
* The study highlights the need for further research on the health effects of e-cigarette use, especially regarding the liquids used in e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the need for caution in assuming that e-cigarette use is risk-free, as there are still high levels of harmful biomarkers found in e-cigarette users compared to non-smokers. The study suggests that further research is necessary to fully understand the health effects of e-cigarette use, especially regarding the liquids used in e-cigarettes. as an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to consider these findings when developing policies regarding e-cigarette use.

Melero-Ollonarte JL, Lidón-Moyano C, Perez-Ortuño R, et al. Specific biomarker comparison in current smokers, e-cigarette users, and non-smokers. addictive behaviors. 2023;140:107616. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107616