Rochester Reporter

E-cigarette use is often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, but recent research challenges this assumption. A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center, published in Scientific Reports, indicates that exclusive e-cigarette users may experience elevated carcinogenic cellular signaling pathways compared to non-users.

Dongmei Li, PhD, who is the first author and a professor of Clinical and Translational Research at the university, stated: “Exosomal microRNAs play a crucial role in inflammation and disease processes like cancer. However, little is known about how exclusive e-cigarette use affects exosomal microRNAs, which regulate genes that influence cancer-causing pathways.”

The researchers conducted a comparative analysis of exosomal microRNA profiles between exclusive e-cigarette users and non-users. They discovered several upregulated microRNAs involved in cancer pathways among the former group. This finding suggests an elevation of carcinogenic cellular signaling pathways in exclusive e-cigarette users.

“Our results contribute significantly to understanding the potential health risks of e-cigarette use and should be considered by medical professionals and the public to protect public health,” Li added.

E-cigarettes are devices that vaporize liquid for inhalation. These liquids typically contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, flavoring agents, and other chemicals. The National Youth Tobacco Survey reports that e-cigarettes are widely used among high school and middle school students.

The 2024 survey revealed that 7.8% of high school students and 3.5% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use. Given their prevalence among youth, understanding any potential link between vaping behavior and cancer is crucial for public awareness and regulatory policies.

Funded by an R21 grant from the National Institutes of Health, Li along with Zidian Xie, PhD utilized blood plasma specimens from biorepositories to analyze exosomal epigenetic biomarkers associated with flavored e-cigarette usage.

Collaborating with Irfan Rahman, PhD from Environmental Medicine at Rochester University, and Sadiya Bi Shaikh who conducted wound-healing assays on primary airway epithelial cells from non-users helped determine toxicity levels related to inflammatory responses.

“The toxicity genomic marker in e-cigarette users is not known,” Rahman explained. “This study was defined using transcriptomic and cell-based studies because these biomarkers may be related to precancerous development and vascular damage."

Li expressed hope for future research: “Our study results will spark further investigations into the impact of exclusive e-cigarette use on plasma exosomal miRNAs and other biomarkers related to cancer risks.”