Search Results (121)

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has prompted questions regarding their effects on periodontal health. While the detrimental impacts of cigarette smoking are well-established, the periodontal implications of ENDS use remain poorly understood. This narrative review aimed to evaluate current evidence comparing periodontal parameters, inflammatory markers, and oral microbiome composition among ENDS users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed (January 2009–May 2026) following a PICO question: “What is the impact of ENDS, compared to cigarette smoking and non-smoking, on periodontal health?” Clinical studies reporting on periodontal health parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss), inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and microbial composition were included. Due to methodological heterogeneity across studies, meta-analysis was not feasible, necessitating narrative synthesis. Results: Across studies, clinical periodontal findings in ENDS users were heterogeneous and did not consistently resemble those of either cigarette smokers or non-smokers. In contrast, ENDS use was consistently associated with alterations in inflammatory profiles and oral microbiome composition, characterized by selective changes in specific inflammatory cytokines rather than uniform inflammatory upregulation, as well as shifts towards microbial communities linked to periodontal inflammation. Notably, these biological alterations were not uniformly reflected in traditional clinical periodontal indices. Conclusions: ENDS use is associated with heterogeneous clinical findings and inflammatory and microbial alterations that suggest ENDS is a distinct exposure rather than a predictable intermediate between smoking and non-use. This review, to our knowledge, is the first to integrate clinical, inflammatory, and microbiome outcomes and highlights the limitations of relying solely on clinical parameters to assess the impact of ENDS on periodontal health. It also underscores the need for well-designed longitudinal studies to clarify the periodontal implications of ENDS use. Full article

Background: Cigarette smoking is a widely recognized risk factor for several diseases and a crucial problem in global health, as it contributes to the development and worsening of various diseases, resulting in an increase in both morbidity and mortality. One of the strategies to reduce the impact of tobacco damage is based on the transition from flammable to non-flammable nicotine products. Objectives: The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the effects of traditional cigarette smoking and non-combustible nicotine products on kidney function. Conclusions: The evidence shows that both combustible and non-combustible nicotine products have harmful effects on kidney health and may promote the onset and progression of kidney dysfunction, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a major global health issue, characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and progressive tissue remodeling. Its clinical and molecular heterogeneity, combined with the lack of resolutive therapies, underscores the urgent need for advanced experimental tools to improve understanding and therapeutic development. Traditional 2D cell culture systems, though historically useful, fail to replicate the complexity of the human lung. In this review, we analyze the remarkable relevance of advanced 3D models for studying COPD pathophysiology, including epithelial injury and regeneration, extracellular matrix remodeling, and interactions with environmental triggers such as cigarette smoke and airborne pollutants. Three-dimensional in vitro models, such as ALI cultures, lung organoids, and lung-on-a-chip platforms, PCLS, and lung ECM-derived hydrogels offer more physiologically relevant environments to investigate epithelial dysfunction, immune responses, and host-pathogen interactions. We discuss the contribution of viral and bacterial infections to COPD exacerbations, and explore how 3D models have become essential tools for modeling these events. We also highlight recent advances in personalized medicine that use patient-derived organoids and ALI cultures for drug screening and biomarker discovery. Furthermore, we examine the therapeutic potential of probiotics and extracellular vesicle-associated microRNAs to modulate inflammation and epithelial repair. Collectively, these innovative systems represent powerful platforms to promote precision medicine in COPD. Full article

Introduction: In recent years, electronic cigarettes, including disposable e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices, have grown in popularity, especially among young people and young adults. Although e-cigarettes are touted as a “safer” alternative to traditional cigarettes, a growing body of evidence indicates that vaping can cause serious health problems, especially in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of disposable e-cigarettes and other nicotine products among adolescents and young adults, as well as to examine the factors associated with regular smoking and nicotine dependence across individual nicotine-containing products. Material and Methods: The survey was conducted among residents of southern Poland. A total of 625 (100%) people were examined. Among them were: 350 women and 275 men. The subjects were aged between 14 and 29 years (Median and 25th–75th percentile: 19; 16–23). The study used an original questionnaire, the completion of which was anonymous and voluntary. The questions included in the survey concerned the smoking status of the respondents, the main sources of nicotine intake and general information such as age, gender, place of residence, employment or education, and financial stability of the family. The survey used the Fagerström test to examine the degree of nicotine dependence among the subjects. Results: A total of 34% (212; 33.92%) of the surveyed group of adolescents and young adults were smokers, most of whom used disposable e-cigarettes (69; 32.55%). In addition, 60% (368; 58.88%) of respondents reported having tried disposable e-cigarettes. Smokers, of both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, accounted for 14% (88; 14.08%) of the study group. The results of the study showed a statistically significant effect of the age of the participants on the method of nicotine intake (p = 0.013). In the younger group, e-cigarettes were more often used, while in the older group, the use of heated tobacco products and traditional cigarettes dominated. Respondents’ median age at the first use of nicotine products was 16 years. Factors such as living in the city, lower financial stability, and having a parent who smoked during childhood were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of regular nicotine product use. Among the regular users, a high level of nicotine dependence was observed in 28.64% (n = 61) of individuals, with the largest proportion occurring among those using electronic cigarettes (39.37%; n = 50). Conclusions: 1. In the study group of adolescents and young adults, disposable e-cigarettes were the most used nicotine-containing product. 2. Parental smoking and male gender were positively associated with the likelihood of smoking, whereas primary education and financial stability were inversely associated with tobacco use. 3. Electronic cigarette users exhibited the highest average nicotine dependence scores. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male gender, the type of nicotine product used, and place of residence were independently associated with higher Fagerström test scores. Full article

Cigarette smoke is a major inducer of oxidative stress, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Heated tobacco products (HTP) and e-cigarettes are promoted as reduced-risk alternatives; however, their impact on cellular redox regulation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of conventional cigarette smoke extract (CSE), HTP, and e-cigarette extracts on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) permeability mediated by aquaporins (peroxiporins) and on the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in ATII-like cells. Eight aquaporins were detected at the mRNA level, and seven were confirmed at the protein level. CSE markedly inhibited H₂O₂ permeability across plasma, mitochondrial, and nuclear membranes. HTP extract impaired H₂O₂ transport across the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope, while mitochondrial permeability was preserved. Both CSE and HTP extract reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In contrast, e-cigarette extract exerted minimal effects on membrane H₂O₂ permeability and selectively decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Overall, our findings identify a graded pattern of oxidative toxicity (CSE > HTP > e-cigarette) and highlight peroxiporins as critical regulators of intracellular redox homeostasis. Although less harmful than cigarettes, alternative nicotine delivery systems are not biologically inert. Full article

This study compared the temporal effects of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes on lung health in male Rattus norvegicus over 8- and 12-week periods. Thirty rats were evaluated for tracheal/alveolar histopathology and systemic markers (IL-6, TNF-α, SOD-3, MDA). Chronic cigarette exposure (12 weeks) and nicotine aerosol (8 weeks) significantly suppressed weight gain, while ascorbic acid aerosol caused less growth inhibition. At 8 weeks, cigarette exposure (K3) induced adaptive tracheal mucosal thickening (66.88 ± 17.92 µm vs. 52.40 ± 2.63 µm in control K1), increased goblet cells (4.2 ± 2.44 N/mm), elevated SOD-3 (12.75 ± 1.10 pg/mL), and initiated emphysematous alveolar expansion (469.77 ± 91.31 µm vs. 202.03 ± 29.38 µm in K1 in K1). Conversely, 12-week cigarette smoke (K4) triggered epithelial exhaustion, significantly thinning the tracheal mucosa (34.65 ± 6.55 µm) and elevating systemic IL-6 (11.45 ± 1.17 pg/mL vs. 8.43 ± 0.88 pg/mL in control K2). Notably, chronic electronic ascorbic acid aerosolization (K6) preserved localized alveolar structural layouts and limited septal thickening compared with nicotine groups. However, it failed to suppress systemic inflammation, as evidenced by elevated IL-6 levels. In conclusion, while ascorbic acid aerosols moderate localized parenchymal destruction compared to nicotine, chronic aerosol exposure accelerates systemic immune activation. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a youth-developed vaping intervention created by the Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs (ABYA) in changing Grade 7 and 8 students’ knowledge, attitudes, and harm perceptions regarding e-cigarette use. The vaping video trial followed a preceding local education program on smoking harms. A total of 107 students were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (ABYA video) or the control group (expert-developed video). Four instruments were used: the Video Survey, Personal Information Questionnaire, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding E-cigarette Ingredients, Safety, and Addictive Properties (KAS), and the E-cigarette Harm Perception and Reduction (EHI). Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests. Compared with controls, the intervention group showed a significantly larger mean decrease in total EHI scores (mean change 9.05 vs. 2.06; t(105) = 3.34, p = 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.65), indicating that the youth-developed video increased the perceived risk of vaping relative to cigarettes to a greater extent than the expert-developed video. Students also rated the ABYA video significantly higher on a 5-point scale for overall enjoyment (3.13 vs. 2.33; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.81) and for perceived increase in knowledge about vaping (3.34 vs. 2.84; p = 0.023; Cohen’s d = 0.44). The KAS instrument showed low internal consistency in this sample, so item-level KAS findings were treated as exploratory. Notably, unlike the expert-developed video, which explicitly acknowledged uncertainty, the ABYA video conveyed a clearer and more direct message, which may have contributed to its greater appeal while also carrying a risk of overstating absolute risk of e-cigarettes relative to cigarettes. Overall, these findings suggest that grassroots, youth-led interventions may be an effective approach for adolescent vaping education and may offer advantages over traditional expert-developed messaging in some contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Methods of smoking have evolved over the years, including heated tobacco products. The impact of exposure to traditional tobacco smoke and heated/electronic tobacco products (IQOS) on biofilm formation has not been previously compared in vitro. Aims and objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of tobacco and electronic smoking on microbial biofilm formation on dental hard tissues. Materials and Methods: Thirty premolars were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10 per group) according to tissue type and smoking exposure: Six experimental groups were defined: Group 1, non-exposed enamel; Group 2, enamel subjected to conventional cigarette smoke (CS); Group 3, enamel subjected to heated tobacco (HT); Group 4, non-exposed cementum; Group 5, cementum subjected to conventional cigarette smoke; and Group 6, cementum exposed to heated tobacco. Enamel and root discs were then immersed in 2 mL of an adjusted, standardized bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to allow bacterial biofilm adhesion after incubation for 48 h at 37 °C. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) count was calculated, and the surface topography and roughness were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and ImageJ software with the SurfCharJ plugin, respectively. Results: Conventional cigarette smoking showed significantly higher S. mutans adhesion on the enamel and root discs compared with IQOS and control groups. Both IQOS and cigarette smoking increased roughness on enamel and root versus the control group, and cigarette smoking produced significantly higher roughness on the enamel surface when compared to IQOS; however, there were no significant differences in the roughness between the two smoking methods on the root surface. SEM analysis showed the most extensive enamel and root microtopography change in IQOS smoking. Conclusions: Aerosols from heated tobacco products (IQOS) alter the surface topography and roughness of enamel and root, while traditional cigarette smoking significantly increases bacterial colonization. Further in vivo studies are warranted to simulate the dynamic nature of the oral cavity. Full article

Background: Cigarette smoking exposes the human body to a complex mixture of toxic and carcinogenic compounds that can exert widespread biological effects across different organ systems. From addictive responses and consequence maladaptive neuroendocrine responses, cigarette smoke delivers a variety of reactive oxygen species, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, and heavy metals that collectively contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disruption. The liver, as the primary organ responsible for xenobiotic metabolism, plays a central role in processing these harmful substances and is therefore uniquely susceptible to their effects. This narrative review will aim to provide an overview of the current evidence of cigarette smoking effects on hepatic structure and function and discuss clinical implications. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical research examining the effects of cigarette smoking on liver biology. Mechanistic pathways of injury, metabolic and vascular alterations, and clinical consequences for liver disease were considered. Results: Smoking influences hepatic function both directly—through biotransformation pathways generating reactive intermediates—and indirectly via vascular impairment, immune modulation, hormonal alterations, and changes in lipid and glucose metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that cigarette smoking contributes to hepatic steatosis, accelerates fibrosis progression, worsens outcomes in viral and alcohol-related liver disease, and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking exerts multifaceted deleterious effects on the liver. Recognition of smoking as a modifiable risk factor for liver-related morbidity underscores the importance of smoking cessation in patients with or at risk for liver disease and highlights implications for research and clinical practice. Full article

Unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying lung injury and repair requires precise spatial context. Profiling cell-to-cell transcriptional variability and spatial orientation has become increasingly sophisticated, but validating results at the protein level still remains challenging, particularly for low-expressed proteins or small-scale samples. Here, we present a workflow established by our group for spatial protein analysis in the lung by combining two commercially available platforms: (1) laser-assisted microdissection (LMD) with (2) a capillary electrophoretic-based immunoassay (CEI). Using this workflow, we demonstrate a simple, accessible, and sensitive method for spatially capturing regions of interest to investigate small-scale samples or low-expressed proteins. This workflow provides an additional option for orthogonal validation for researchers using omics-based approaches. Furthermore, we validated transcriptome analysis results at the protein level by applying this workflow to a pre-clinical model of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung injury. In line with the previous findings, the results showed a significant downregulation of the endothelial cell marker in LMD-enriched alveolar regions, suggesting spatial capillary rarefaction, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway in pulmonary vasculature of CS-exposed mice. Our approach overcomes traditional challenges and provides new opportunities for understanding complex disease pathomechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Full article

Cytisine is a plant-derived quinolizidine alkaloid found, among other sources, in the seeds of the common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides). It has properties that enable it to act as a partial agonist of brain nicotinic α4β2 receptors, which play a key role in the development and maintenance of nicotine addiction. Clinical studies have shown that cytisine is a more effective smoking cessation aid than nicotine replacement therapy and at least as effective as varenicline in treating tobacco cigarette addiction. It may also be an effective agent in treating addiction to electronic cigarettes. Cytisine is also significantly cheaper than other anti-nicotine medications. This is of great importance for the population of smokers in developing countries, who cannot afford anti-nicotine treatment. In recent years, the role of cytisine in the pharmacotherapy of nicotine addiction worldwide has increased significantly. This drug is becoming available in an increasing number of countries, and in 2025 the World Health Organization (WHO) added cytisine to the list of essential medicines. The need for further development of the drug poses additional challenges for scientists, including the creation of new pharmaceutical forms, optimization of dosing regimens, and expansion of indications to include the treatment of nicotine addiction supplied into the body in forms other than traditional tobacco products. This review describes the use of cytisine in the treatment of nicotine addiction, the drug’s mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety of use, and the available pharmaceutical preparations. It also presents research directions on cytisine related to the development of innovative pharmaceutical products, new dosing regimens, and new indications associated with the treatment of addiction to various nicotine-containing products. Conclusions indicate that cytisine has a difficult dosing regimen, which is why patients do not adhere to it, limiting the effectiveness of the therapy. This necessitates optimizing the dosage of existing capsules and tablets or introducing, for example, new extended-release forms of the drug containing cytisine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are a gateway to nicotine addiction for non-smokers, especially young people. The short- and long-term health effects of using heated tobacco products are not yet fully understood. The study aimed to assess the effect of heated tobacco use on blood pressure and heart rate in young, healthy individuals aged 18–30. The study also assessed exposure to tobacco smoke by measuring salivary cotinine concentration. Methods: The case–control study was conducted in 2022–2025 among 200 healthy individuals aged 18–30 years: 70 I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking users (IQOS), 65 daily traditional cigarette smokers (DS), and 65 non-smokers (NS). The research tool was a questionnaire containing information on the use of tobacco products. The participants completed a questionnaire and then underwent blood pressure measurements, anthropometric measurements, and saliva collection for cotinine levels. Results: The average age of initiation of IQOS use was 18.5 years, and smoking had continued for an average of 2.3 years. The average age of initiation of smoking traditional cigarettes was 16.3 years, and smoking had continued for 4.4 years. There were no statistically significant differences in median values between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the IQOS, DS, and NS groups (p > 0.05). High SBP values ≥ 140 mm Hg were observed in 10% of the IQOS users, 18.5% of the daily smokers of conventional cigarettes, and 12.3% of the non-smokers. High DBP values ≥ 90 mm Hg were observed in 11.4% of IQOS, 7.7% of DS, and 7.7% of NS. The cigarette smokers demonstrated significantly higher median cotinine levels compared to the IQOS users and non-smokers: 153.7 vs. 64.3 vs. 0.5 ng/mL (p < 0.01). Salivary cotinine levels were positively correlated (ρ = 0.38; p < 0.01) with the daily number of heated tobacco sticks among IQOS users (weak correlation), as well as among DS (ρ = 0.42; p < 0.01) with a higher daily number of cigarettes (moderate correlation). Conclusions: Long-term studies are needed to determine the health effects of heated tobacco products among young people in Poland. Furthermore, the potential impact of HTP aerosols on passive smokers should be examined. Further studies should consider the use of salivary cotinine as a biomarker. Full article

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, yet their impact on immune cells remains incompletely understood. This study investigates the activation of human primary adherent and non-adherent monocytes exposed ex vivo to aerosols from four flavored ECs (classic tobacco, menthol, watermelon, and strawberry) compared to cigarette smoke (CS) and nicotine alone. EC aerosols (ECEs) induced modest cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and superoxide dismutase activity compared to CS, with high cell response heterogeneity indicating subpopulation-specific effects. Adherent monocytes showed elevated integrin expression (CD11a, CD11b), ICAM-1 (CD54), TNFα, and oxidative stress versus non-adherent cells, amplified by ECE. Dual fluorescence flow cytometry (green DCF for ROS and red for anti-TNFα Ab) revealed shifts toward pro-inflammatory/oxidative quadrants, particularly upper-right high-intensity relatively small subsets with macrophage M1-like CD68 expression in adherent cells. ECEs reduced phagocytosis in adherent monocytes, mimicking CS effects, probably driven by non-nicotine components. Strawberry flavor (ECE 4) elicited the strongest TNFα induction. These findings demonstrate EC-induced subclinical inflammation via selective monocyte activation, potentially contributing to chronic cardiopulmonary risks despite significantly lower overall toxicity than CS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coupled with the already-problematic background rates of traditional cigarette consumption during pregnancy, the surging epidemic of electronic cigarette usage among pregnant women redoubles the importance of understanding the impacts of nicotine exposure during critical periods of development. To date, a burgeoning body of human epidemiological and animal model research indicates that not only the children but also the grandchildren of maternal smokers are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia and are predisposed to neurodevelopmental abnormalities which transcend these diagnoses. However, the roles of discrete cellular sub-populations in these and other intergenerational consequences of smoking during pregnancy remain indeterminate. Methods: Toward the resolution of this void in the literature, the present study characterized alterations in the gene expression profiles of dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from the first- and second-generation male progeny of female mice that were continuously exposed to nicotine beginning prior to conception, continuing throughout pregnancy, and concluding upon weaning of offspring. Results: Dopamine receptor D1-expressing striatal cells from our mouse models of the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers exhibit differential expression patterns for a multitude of genes that are (1) individually associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) collectively overrepresented in gene set annotations related to brain, behavioral, neurobiological, and epigenomic phenotypes shared among neurodevelopmental disorders, and (3) orthologous to human genes that exhibit differential DNA methylation signatures in the newborns of maternal smokers. Conclusions: Together with our and others’ previous findings, the results of this study support the emerging theory that, by inducing extensive alterations in gene expression that in turn elicit cascading neurobiological changes which ultimately confer widespread neurobehavioral abnormalities, nicotine-induced epigenomic dysregulation may be a primary driver of neurodevelopmental deficits and disorders in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers. Full article

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