Flavor Classification/Categorization and Differential Toxicity of Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs) in Oral Gingival Epithelial Cells and Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Introduction:
This article discusses the potential health risks associated with the use of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), a popular form of smokeless tobacco. The study examines the effects of various ONPs on dental and pulmonary health by treating human gingival epithelial cells (hGEP) and bronchial epithelial cells with different flavored ONPs. The study then analyzes cellular cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cytokine release of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor– (
ef{TNF-} (TNF-
ef{ }), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) post ONP treatment.

Key Points:

* The study used six different flavored ONPs, each belonging to tobacco, menthol, and fruit flavors from both TDN and TFN groups.
* hGEP cells were treated with different concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 10%) of ONP extracts, and cytotoxicity, ROS production, and cytokine release were measured.
* Similarly, bronchial epithelial cells were treated with five ONPs, and cytotoxicity, ROS production, and cytokine release were measured.
* The study found that flavored ONPs led to differential cytotoxicity, ROS production, and cytokine release in a dose- and extract-dependent manner.
* Tobacco- and fruit-flavored ONPs resulted in increased ROS production, while menthol-flavored ONPs led to the most significant TNF-
ef{ } release.
* Fruit TFN resulted in the most significant IL-6 release, while fruit TDN and tobacco TFN led to the highest release of IL-8.
* The study suggests that flavored ONPs are unsafe and likely to cause systemic and local toxicological responses during chronic usage.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential health risks associated with the use of ONPs, particularly in relation to dental and pulmonary health. The study found that flavored ONPs led to differential cytotoxicity, ROS production, and cytokine release in a dose- and extract-dependent manner. The study suggests that flavored ONPs are unsafe and likely to cause systemic and local toxicological responses during chronic usage. Therefore, it is crucial to regulate the use and sale of ONPs, especially given their popularity among young people. The study underscores the need for further research to better understand the health risks associated with ONPs and to develop appropriate regulatory measures.

Shaikh, S. B., Tung, W. C., Pang, C., Lucas, J., Li, D., & Rahman, I. (2022). Flavor Classification/Categorization and Differential Toxicity of Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs) in Oral Gingival Epithelial Cells and Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Toxics, 10(11), 660. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10110660