Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Biomarker Levels in e-Cigarette Smokers and Conventional Smokers.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study that compares the levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the saliva of electronic cigarette smokers, conventional smokers, and participants with no smoke exposure. The study aims to determine the influence of electronic cigarettes on oral cytokine levels in oral fluids.

Key Points:

* The study included 60 participants divided into four groups: nonsmokers, current smokers, smokers smoking both conventional and e-cigarettes, and e-cigarette smokers.
* The saliva samples were assessed for Interleukins (IL-1B, 6, 8, 10, and IL-1Ra), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
* Plaque scores, Gingival Index, and body mass index were also calculated.
* The study found a statistically significant relationship between plaque scores and IL 1Ra, 1 β, and 10.
* Regarding anti-inflammatory cytokines, CRP, IL-10, and IL-1Ra had P-values of 0.073, 0.945, and 0.834, respectively.
* For proinflammatory cytokines, the P-values were 0.0001, 0.019, 0.991, and 0.903 for TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6, and IL-8, respectively.
* These results were statistically significant for TNF-α (P = 0.001).
* The study concludes that smoking e-cigarettes, whether solely or in combination with conventional smoking, increases the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1 β with decreased counter IL-1Ra levels.

Main Message:
The study suggests that electronic cigarettes may not be a safe alternative to conventional smoking. Smoking e-cigarettes, whether solely or in combination with conventional smoking, increases the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1 β with decreased counter IL-1Ra levels. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the safety of electronic cigarettes in the long term, and more research is required to provide conclusive evidence.

Verma a, anand K, Bhargava M, Kolluri a, Kumar M, Palve Dh. Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Biomarker Levels in e-Cigarette Smokers and Conventional Smokers. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. 2021;13:S1642-S1645. doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_393_21