Impact of e-liquid flavors on nicotine intake and pharmacology of e-cigarettes

Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the impact of e-liquid flavors on nicotine intake and pharmacology of e-cigarettes. The study compares the effects of strawberry, tobacco, and usual brand e-liquids on nicotine intake, pharmacokinetics, and physiologic and subjective effects during a standardized session of 15 puffs and during ad libitum access.

Key Points:

* The study found that after 15 puffs, the amount of nicotine inhaled and systemically retained were not significantly different between the strawberry and tobacco e-liquids.
* however, plasma aUCco _ ,soi was significantly higher with the strawberry e-liquid, indicating a higher rate of nicotine absorption.
* During ad libitum use, systemic exposure to nicotine (aUCco _ 90i) was the same for the tobacco and usual brand e-liquids but were both significantly lower than after using the strawberry e-liquid.
* The usual flavors were more liked and satisfying than the strawberry and tobacco e-liquids.
* Flavors may affect nicotine exposure through flavor liking and ph effects, and contribute to heart rate acceleration and subjective effects of e-cigarettes.
* E-cigarette users titrate their nicotine exposure but the extent of titration may vary across flavors.
* Several flavorants are toxic and could be harmful to e-cigarette users, including diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, which cause bronchiolitis obliterans in humans exposed in occupational settings.
* From a regulatory perspective, use of flavors in e-liquids is controversial, as they may appeal to youth and contribute to e-cigarette uptake, but may also be an important consideration for the acceptability of e-cigarettes to smokers trying to quit.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-liquid flavors, particularly sweet flavors, may influence nicotine exposure and pharmacokinetics in e-cigarettes, with potential implications for their abuse liability and regulatory considerations. It also highlights the need for further research on the toxicity and health effects of flavorants used in e-liquids.

St.helen, Gideon, Delia a. Dempsey, Christopher M. havel, Peyton Jacob, and Neal L. Benowitz. “Impact of E-Liquid Flavors on Nicotine Intake and Pharmacology of e-Cigarettes.” Drug and alcohol Dependence 178 (September 2017): 391–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.05.042.