Biomarkers of Toxicant Exposure and Inflammation among Women of Reproductive age Who Use Electronic or Conventional Cigarettes.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the levels of toxicants, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women of reproductive age (WRa) who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), conventional cigarettes, or no tobacco products. The study focuses on biomarkers that have been specifically implicated in disease among WRa and could impact women’s health through the pathways of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Key Points:

* The study found that among WRa, self-reported cigarette-only smokers had higher levels of exposure to most analyzed toxicants than self-reported e-cigarette-only users and controls.
* Smokers had higher levels of the oxidative stress biomarker (F2PG2a) and one marker of inflammation (sICaM) than both e-cigarette users and controls.
* E-cigarette users had higher levels of several measures of toxicant exposure (including nicotine metabolites, NNaL, lead, and VOCs) than controls.
* The study suggests that exclusive e-cigarette use may reduce toxicant exposure compared with cigarette smoking, but e-cigarettes result in more toxicant exposure compared with no tobacco use.
* The study also highlights the potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes, including nicotine addiction and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
* The study found no significant difference in the levels of inflammatory markers or oxidative stress between WRa who use e-cigarettes and controls.
* The study used a nationally representative data set and controlled for potential confounders.

Main Message:
The study suggests that while e-cigarettes may be less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they still result in toxicant exposure compared with no tobacco use. This is particularly relevant for WRa who are never smokers and become e-cigarette users. The study also highlights the importance of considering the potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes, including nicotine addiction and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study's findings can inform regulatory decisions regarding e-cigarettes and their use among WRa.

Perez MF, Mead EL, atuegwu NC, Mortensen EM, Goniewicz M, Oncken C. Biomarkers of Toxicant Exposure and Inflammation among Women of Reproductive age Who Use Electronic or Conventional Cigarettes. Journal of women’s health (2002). 2021;30(4):539-550. doi:10.1089/jwh.2019.8075