Search Results (476)

Background: Nicotine use among the youth has been on the rise, especially with the introduction of E-cigarettes. This has sparked concerns regarding E-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes in terms of patterns, dependence, and perceptions within the youth population, which are issues this study aimed to investigate. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students at Ajman University, which is in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Using the Cigarette Dependence Scale (CDS-12) and Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PS-ECDI), dependence on both cigarettes and E-cigarettes was quantified. Results: Out of 1713 respondents, 18.9% were currently using nicotine products, including E-cigarettes (12.7%) and traditional cigarettes (5.1%). Nicotine use was significantly associated more with males than females with an odds ratio of 4.14. However, there was no difference between genders in the dependence scores. In addition, dual nicotine use and an earlier onset of nicotine consumption were associated with significantly higher dependence scores than single users and a late onset of smoking. Participants overall attributed cigarettes and E-cigarettes as equally harmful. Conclusions: Both cigarette and e-cigarette use were prevalent and associated with notable dependence. Although E-cigarettes are often promoted as cessation aids, their use in our sample did not appear to facilitate quitting and may instead sustain nicotine dependence. Targeted youth-focused cessation programs and stricter marketing and sales regulations are essential to prevent further normalization. Longitudinal studies are needed to track evolving patterns and health impacts in the MENA region. Full article

Background: Recently introduced nicotine pouches (NPs) are smokeless nicotine products. They are held between the lips and gums for 30 min to absorb nicotine into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa. Attractiveness may increase nicotine use, especially among young people and teens. The objective of this study is to investigate the health issues and psychological effects associated with nicotine pouch use among individuals in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey using Google Forms. It was conducted between 13 February and 4 November 2025, in the Riyadh province of Saudi Arabia, restricted to users of nicotine pouches willing to answer a questionnaire on the occasion of buying them (at regional tobacco stores/supermarkets) or online via WhatsApp or the Telegram platform. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27, with a p < 0.05 indicating significance. Results: The current study included data of 489 participants, with a total of 395 participants using nicotine pouches. The most commonly reported symptoms were difficulty breathing and shortness of breath (both 40.5%), changes in taste or smell (36.7%), headache and stomach ulcers (33.4% each), and rapid or irregular heartbeat (28.4%). Most common psychological symptoms at any severity level (slightly to extremely) were appetite changes (78.7%), difficulty concentrating or focusing (75.4%), difficulty sleeping (74.9%), and increased anxiety or irritability (73.4%). Depression (72.2%), anger management (71.1%), and stress (70.4%) were also common. Regression analyses revealed that educational attainment was a significant predictor of both physical and psychological health outcomes. Conclusions: The findings show the most common physical symptoms were difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, followed by taste or smell changes, headaches, stomach ulcers, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Appetite changes, concentration issues, sleep disturbances, and anxiety or irritability were common across all severity levels. Depression, anger issues, and stress were common. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alternative Tobacco and Nicotine Products (ATNPs) have gained widespread popularity. Although they are often promoted as lower-risk alternatives to traditional tobacco products, concerns remain regarding their association with risky behaviors among adolescents and young adults. This study examines the relationship between dietary and lifestyle habits and both ATNP use and intention to use ATNP among Italian participants in the MINERVA (My changINg lifEstyles our Research and eVeryone heAlth) international project. Methods: MINERVA is an observational, international, prospective cohort study. A study-specific questionnaire was administered to participants, who were recruited through informal snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and the use of both traditional tobacco products and ATNPs. Predictors of ATNP use and intention to use were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: Data from 7535 Italian participants were analyzed. Overall, 48% reported having ever used ATNP, and 14% of non-smokers and non-users expressed an intention to try these products. Significant predictors of ATNP use and intention to use included prior smoking, lower age, and having family members who smoke. Lifestyle factors such as frequent consumption of fast food, junk food, and alcoholic beverages were positively associated with both ATNP use and intention to use. Conversely, daily fruit and vegetable consumption was inversely associated with these outcomes. Conclusions: ATNP use and intention to use were associated with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle patterns. These findings highlight the importance of integrated public health strategies addressing substance use alongside broader lifestyle behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Full article

Background and Objectives: Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are rapidly expanding nicotine products with limited evidence from the Middle East, particularly among young adults. This study assessed the awareness, perceptions, and use of ONPs among university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey (November 2024–April 2025) used multistage stratified random sampling across six colleges at Jazan University. A self-administered questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco-use history, ONPs awareness (aided), ever use and current use (past 30 days), and self-reported perceptions items across nine domains. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 624 students (mean age = 20.9 ± 1.7 years; 50.5% female), ONPs awareness was 69.7%, ever use 11.5%, and current use 7.5%. Awareness and use were higher among males and other tobacco users (p < 0.001). In multivariable models, male sex predicted awareness, ever use, and current use; rural residence was linked to lower awareness (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.45–0.98), and being a medical student was linked to lower current use (aOR = 0.08; 95% CI 0.003–0.51) Most students perceived ONPs as addictive (80%) and harmful (68%), yet accessible (61%) and attractive (55%). Conclusions: ONPs awareness and use were high, particularly among males and tobacco users. Despite recognizing potential harm, students viewed ONPs as accessible and attractive. Ongoing surveillance, education, and balanced regulation are needed to guide harm-reduction policy and prevent unintended nicotine uptake. Full article

High-yielding dairy cows suffer from a high metabolic load and oxidative stress, which lead to systemic inflammation and metabolic disorders, increasing the susceptibility of these cows to various production diseases. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) has demonstrated potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory physiological functions; however, research into its application in ruminants remains limited. This study investigated whether DMY supplementation is associated with the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis through the regulation of gut microbiota and metabolite profiles. A total of 14 mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups (n = 7 per group) and supplemented with DMY at 0 or 0.05% in their basal diet for 60 consecutive days. The effects of DMY on the blood biochemical indicators and the antioxidant capacity of the dairy cows were then determined. Alterations to the gut microbiome and the fecal and plasma metabolome were analyzed through 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results showed that DMY significantly improved the activity of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and presented a trend of increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The abundance of multiple fiber-degrading and beneficial commensal bacteria in the gut, including Fibrobacter_succinogenes, Ruminococcus_albus, and Turicibacter, was significantly elevated by the DMY intervention, accompanied by the upregulation of 8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, myricetin, dihydro-3-coumaric acid, PGE1, L-leucine, nicotinuric acid, pantothenic acid, and pyruvate in the feces and plasma. Moreover, DMY supplementation notably reduced the abundance of potential pathogenic microbes, such as Chloroflexi, Deltaproteobacteria, RFP12, and Succinivibrio, and downregulated the levels of 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid, 12,13-DHOME (12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid), 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, niacin, and glycerol 3-phosphate. These differential metabolites were principally enriched in the mTOR signaling pathway; pantothenate, nicotinate, and thiamine metabolism; glutathione metabolism; and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. In summary, dietary supplementation with DMY increased the abundance of intestinal fiber-degrading bacteria and multiple metabolites with known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the feces and plasma, and was associated with alterations in metabolic pathways involving B-vitamins, amino acids, and glutathione. This suggests a potential role for DMY in supporting metabolic homeostasis in dairy cows. Full article

With over 8 million deaths annually, smoking remains one of the most impactful global public health burdens. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) offer smokers the possibility of inhaling nicotine by heating tobacco, resulting in a significant reduction in the levels of toxic and potentially toxic compounds released. However, a growing number of studies indicate that exposure to HTPs increases oxidative stress and triggers pathophysiological changes, mirroring cellular mechanisms well-documented in conventional cigarette smoke exposure. In particular, evidence from animal models suggests that the use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) may represent a risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as a potential contributor to reduced male and female fertility. The following review summarizes the current state of knowledge on HTP toxicity, focusing on both preclinical and emerging clinical data on the health impact of HTP use and the putative harm reduction aspects. Full article

White-matter development during fetal life represents one of the most vulnerable processes to environmental disruption, as it relies on the precisely timed proliferation, migration, and differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Among environmental threats, exposure to toxic compounds contained in tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols represents a major yet preventable risk during pregnancy. Despite growing awareness, tobacco smoking remains widespread, and a substantial proportion of the population—including pregnant women—continues to perceive electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as less harmful, a misconception that contributes to persistent prenatal exposure. These products expose the fetus to numerous substances that readily cross the placenta and reach the developing brain, including compounds with endocrine-disrupting activity, where they interfere with white-matter development. Epidemiological and neuroimaging studies consistently reveal microstructural alterations in white matter that correlate with long-term cognitive and behavioral impairments in offspring exposed in utero. These alterations may arise from both nicotine-specific pathways and the actions of other toxicants in cigarette smoke and ENDS aerosols that cross the placenta and disrupt white-matter emergence and maturation. Preclinical research provides mechanistic insight: nicotine acts directly on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in oligodendrocyte precursor cells, disrupting calcium signaling and differentiation, while additional constituents of smoke and vaping aerosols also affect astrocyte and microglial function and disturb the extracellular milieu required for proper myelination. Full article

The use of sweeteners in e-cigarette liquids has become increasingly common, aiming to enhance the sensory appeal of vaping products. Compounds like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are added to provide a sweet taste without any calories, especially in flavored e-liquids popular among younger users. However, recent studies suggest that these additives may pose significant health risks when vaporized and inhaled. Sucralose, in particular, can break down into potentially harmful chlorinated by-products at high temperatures typical of vaping devices. Moreover, there is growing concern about the synergistic effects of sweeteners like sucralose, one sweetener with another and when combined with other e-liquid components. It has been observed that the presence of sucralose may amplify oxidative stress; genotoxicity, including mutations; and overall toxicity, along with environmental impact. This is not limited to nicotine- and smoke-related harm, as it may strengthen the toxic effect of the substances used in e-liquids that are not present in traditional cigarettes. The combined exposure to these heated compounds can intensify cytotoxicity, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological effects over time. While marketed as safer alternatives to tobacco, e-cigarettes containing sweeteners like sucralose may introduce new and poorly understood toxicological hazards that deserve urgent regulatory attention. Full article

Background: The cardiovascular effects of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are well-established; however, far less is known about nicotine-free formulations, which are often perceived as safer alternatives. Yet, these products generate complex aerosols that may still pose toxicological risks. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to 27 August 2025. Eligible studies included human and animal research on nicotine-free e-cigarettes evaluating vascular, hemodynamic, arrhythmic, oxidative, or inflammatory outcomes. Owing to the heterogeneity of the studies, the findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Human trials consistently demonstrated acute vascular impairments, including endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, increased arterial stiffness, and transient blood pressure elevations. Experimental models corroborated these findings and further revealed systemic inflammation, mitochondrial injury, and developmental cardiotoxicity. Conclusions: Nicotine-free e-cigarettes produce reproducible acute cardiovascular effects. Although the long-term outcomes remain uncertain, preclinical evidence highlights biologically plausible mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction and proarrhythmogenic potential. Until large-scale longitudinal studies have been conducted to clarify their risk profile, nicotine-free products should not be regarded as risk-free. Full article

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are marketed as lower-risk alternatives to conventional cigarettes; however, their toxicological impacts remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated the effects of HTP emissions on gene expression and mitochondrial function in comparison with conventional cigarettes. Whole cigarette smoke condensates (WCSCs), comprising both gas and particulate phases, were prepared from three commercially available HTPs and from 3R4F reference cigarettes. Human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to WCSCs at 3 μg nicotine/mL for 24 h, followed by transcriptome profiling using RNA sequencing. Principal component analysis demonstrated that HTP-WCSCs induced weaker gene expression changes than 3R4F-WCSC, with only modest variation among HTPs. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that both HTP- and 3R4F-WCSCs significantly downregulated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)–related pathways, indicating potential mitochondrial impairment. Functional assays confirmed that both exposures elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), while mitochondrial morphology, ATP production, membrane potential, and cytosolic ROS were largely unaffected. Collectively, these results show that although HTP emissions elicit weaker transcriptomic perturbations than conventional cigarette emissions, both converge on mitochondrial targets by suppressing OXPHOS gene expression and increasing mitochondrial ROS. Mitochondrial dysfunction may therefore represent a common mechanism underlying tobacco product toxicity. Full article

The use of electronic cigarettes has increased in the U.S. with menthol and mint flavors showing notably higher sales. While research on the bacterial microbiome of traditional tobacco products is growing, particularly regarding menthol and nicotine effects, data regarding potential microbial contaminants within electronic liquids (e-liquids) remain limited. Additionally, the potential antibacterial properties of e-liquids remain sparse. To address these gaps, we evaluated the prevalence of viable bacteria in e-liquids; characterized their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns; and tested the antibacterial activity of the e-liquids. Two e-liquid flavors (menthol and non-menthol) across three different nicotine concentrations (0, 6 and 12 mg/mL) were tested using culture-based methods and Sanger sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and e-liquid antibacterial activity assays were performed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. The majority of the isolates (63.15%) were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus spp. (B. pumilus, B. megaterium and B. cereus). Notably, P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens isolates exhibited multidrug resistance against penicillin, tetracyclines, and phenicols. The e-liquids also demonstrated antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, with greater inhibition of P. aeruginosa growth at higher (12 mg/mL) compared to lower (0 mg/mL) nicotine concentrations across the menthol-flavored samples. These findings offer preliminary evidence of viable, multidrug-resistant bacteria and antibacterial properties in e-liquids, underscoring potential public health concerns regarding user exposure risks and microbial interactions, and emphasizing the need for continued surveillance of microbial safety in electronic cigarette products. Full article

Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular, especially among young people when compared to other demographic groups. This study explored young South African women’s experiences of using e-cigarettes. Age of initiation, patterns and reasons for using e-cigarettes, the financial impact and the experience of quitting were explored. This qualitative study used an interpretive research paradigm. Data were collected from three focus groups that were guided by a discussion guide. The total sample comprised 11 young women aged between 18 and 25 years who had used or were using e-cigarettes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo version 12. Findings revealed five key themes: (1) age of e-cigarette initiation ranged from pre-adolescence to adolescence, and in adulthood; (2) patterns of use included occasional and daily use, concurrent use with tobacco products (dual use) and use with tobacco products and alcohol. Participants reported using e-cigarettes at social events, with other peers and alone; (3) reasons for use included emotional regulation (easing stress, boredom), peer pressure, experimentation, the appeal of e-cigarettes’ designs and flavours, ease of access and enhanced social media presence; (4) the impact of e-cigarette use weighed on financial and familial issues; (5) concerning quitting, only one participant reported successfully quitting while some participants had tried to quit but had been unsuccessful and advocated for more cessation support. Interventions to address how to better manage peer pressure, boredom and stress as well as policies to regulate the design and flavours of e-cigarettes are needed to help young women not to get initiated into a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Cessation support is also needed to assist young people (especially women) who wish to quit using e-cigarettes. Full article

Study objective: Electronic vapor product (EVP) use remains prevalent among adolescents in the United States. EVP use may be associated with high-risk substance use behaviors. This study investigates the association between current EVP use and current opioid misuse in high school students. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) (n = 7471). We first examined the prevalence rates of current prescription opioid misuse between participants ages 14 to 19 who reported any EVP use compared to those who did not report any EVP use. We conducted an adjusted Poisson regression analysis to determine whether EVP use was associated with prescription opioid misuse after controlling for multiple variables, including age, biological sex, race, ethnicity, alcohol use, other tobacco use, marijuana use, and depressive symptoms. Results: Among participants, 17.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 15.4–19.1%) reported current EVP use. The prevalence of current opioid misuse was higher in the group of students who use EVPs (13.3%) as compared to students who do not use EVPs (3.2%) (p < 0.0001). Compared to participants who did not use EVPs, those with EVP use had an 80% greater prevalence of opioid misuse, after adjusting in regression analyses (adjusted prevalence rate ratio: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.4–2.3, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the significantly increased prevalence of opioid misuse among this population and the need to educate adolescents about the additional risks associated with nicotine and EVP use. Longitudinal studies are needed to test causal relationships and better understand the biobehavioral mechanisms that connect EVP use and opioid misuse. Full article

Background: Exposure to tobacco smoke, from conventional tobacco cigarettes (CTC) or heated tobacco products (HTPs), increases oxidative stress, causing endothelial dysfunction and higher cardiovascular risk. It is unclear whether smoke exposure also promotes low-grade endotoxemia, potentially activating NADPH oxidase and further impairing endothelial function. This study assessed serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in children and adults actively or passively exposed to conventional cigarette smoke or HTPs, compared with non-exposed controls. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study comprising 26 children passively exposed to HTPs, 26 children exposed to CTC, and 26 unexposed controls, as well as 20 adult chronic HTP users, 20 chronic CTC, and 20 non-smoking adults. Circulating LPS was measured alongside oxidative stress markers (NOX2, H₂O₂), endothelial function, intestinal permeability (zonulin), and nicotine exposure (serum cotinine). Results: Exposed children had higher cotinine, LPS, and zonulin than controls, with no differences between HTP and CTC groups. Multiple linear regression analysis identified cotinine (β = 0.343; p = 0.005) and zonulin (β = 0.441; p < 0.001) as independent LPS predictors. In adults, LPS and zonulin were higher in both smoker groups versus controls; zonulin (β = 0.477; p < 0.001) and nitric oxide bioavailability (β = −0.307; p = 0.007) independently predicted LPS. Conclusions: Passive and active exposure to CTC or HTPs increases low-grade endotoxemia and zonulin, potentially driving NOX2-mediated oxidative stress. Full article

High temperatures during grain filling degrade rice quality, yet the metabolite-level basis of varietal tolerance—particularly root contributions—remains unclear. We compared the heat-tolerant ‘Fusaotome’ and the widely grown ‘Akitakomachi’ under control and high-temperature conditions. Panicles and roots were sampled at heading and profiled by capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE–MS), followed by PCA, univariate testing, and KEGG pathway analysis. PCA resolved treatment and cultivar differences in an organ-specific manner. In panicles, ‘Fusaotome’ showed 8 increased metabolites (≥1.5-fold) and 11 decreased (≤1/1.5), whereas ‘Akitakomachi’ showed 19 increases and 6 decreases (p < 0.05). In roots, 12 metabolites increased in ‘Fusaotome’ and 9 in ‘Akitakomachi’; no significant decreases were detected. Pathway analysis indicated activation in ‘Fusaotome’ panicles of tryptophan, nicotinate/nicotinamide, arginine/proline, glycolysis/TCA, pyruvate, and vitamin B6 pathways, while ‘Akitakomachi’ emphasized phenylpropanoid, isoquinoline alkaloid, caffeine, and ubiquinone/terpenoid–quinone biosynthesis. In roots, ‘Fusaotome’ prioritized phenylalanine/phenylpropanoid, aromatic amino acids, lysine degradation, branched-chain amino acids, glycerophospholipids, and alkaloids, whereas ‘Akitakomachi’ favored nitrogen- and antioxidant-related routes. Collectively, the tolerant cultivar maintained antioxidant capacity and energy supply while coordinating root–panicle metabolism, whereas the susceptible cultivar shifted toward secondary defenses. These signatures nominate candidate metabolic markers and targets for breeding and management to stabilize rice production under warming climates. Full article