Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study that aimed to examine the association between YKL-40, a marker of inflammation associated with fibrosis and matrix remodeling in the lung, and e-cigarette use. The study also explored the association of other markers of inflammation and tobacco product use.
Key Points:
* The study recruited 65 subjects who were exclusive daily users of e-cigarettes, exclusive daily cigarette smokers, or healthy controls.
* The study found that e-cigarette users had higher serum levels of YKL-40 compared to healthy controls, but similar to cigarette smokers.
* There were no significant differences in spirometry or sputum quality among the three groups.
* E-cigarette users had higher white blood cell counts, specifically neutrophils, compared to healthy controls.
* Cigarette smokers had higher serum levels of IL-8 compared to healthy controls.
* The study did not find a significant correlation between the type of e-cigarette device, flavor, or nicotine concentration and the levels of inflammatory markers.
* The study did find a correlation between serum cotinine levels and YKL-40 levels, suggesting a shared biological pathway.
Main Message:
The study found that e-cigarette use is associated with elevated serum levels of YKL-40, a marker of inflammation associated with lung inflammation, remodeling, and fibrosis. This finding has potential implications for e-cigarette users, as elevated YKL-40 levels have been associated with worse pulmonary function loss among smokers. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to determine the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on lung health.
Citation
Perez MF, atuegwu NC, Mortensen EM, Oncken C. The inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 is elevated in the serum, but not the sputum, of E-cigarette users. Experimental lung research. 2021;47(2):55-66. doi:10.1080/01902148.2020.1847216
