Researchers investigate how vaping affects RNA regulation

Rochester, New York – A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center has raised concerns about the potential health risks of e-cigarette use, particularly its effects on RNA expression. The findings, published in Scientific Reports, suggest that exclusive e-cigarette users show an increase in carcinogenic cellular signaling pathways compared to non-users.

Dr. Dongmei Li, the study’s lead author and a professor of Clinical and Translational Research, emphasized the importance of understanding the molecular-level impact of vaping. “Exosomal microRNAs play a crucial role in inflammation and disease processes like cancer,” Li explained. “However, little is known about how exclusive e-cigarette use affects exosomal microRNAs, which regulate genes that influence cancer-causing pathways.”

To explore this issue, the researchers analyzed exosomal microRNA profiles in both exclusive e-cigarette users and non-users. The results revealed that several exosomal microRNAs were upregulated in e-cigarette users, meaning they were more active than normal. These microRNAs are linked to cancer-related pathways, suggesting that vaping may contribute to an elevated risk of cancer development.

The findings add to growing concerns about the health effects of e-cigarettes, which are often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes function by vaporizing liquid, which typically contains a mix of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavoring agents, and other chemicals. However, this study indicates that despite the absence of tobacco, vaping still has biological consequences that warrant further investigation.

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The study is particularly relevant given the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among young people. The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 7.8% of high school students and 3.5% of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use, making it the most common tobacco product used by these age groups. With this growing trend, research into the long-term health effects of vaping is critical for public awareness and regulatory decision-making.

To conduct their analysis, Li and her colleague, Dr. Zidian Xie, examined blood plasma samples from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study biorepositories. They focused on exosomal epigenetic biomarkers—specifically, microRNAs—associated with flavored e-cigarette use. The team tracked changes in these biomarkers and analyzed their connection to biological pathways involved in cancer development.

In collaboration with Dr. Irfan Rahman, a professor of Environmental Medicine, and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Sadiya Bi Shaikh, the researchers conducted additional experiments using primary airway epithelial cells. These included wound-healing and DNA damage assays in non-users, which helped assess the toxicity and inflammatory response associated with vaping. “The toxicity genomic marker in e-cigarette users is not known,” Rahman stated. “This study was defined using transcriptomic and cell-based studies because these biomarkers may be related to precancerous development and vascular damage.”

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Shaikh’s experiments provided further insights into the biological effects of vaping. The study identified noninvasive biomarkers that could aid in developing diagnostic tools to assess the potential toxicity of e-cigarette use.

Li emphasized that these findings could lead to more extensive research on the effects of exclusive e-cigarette use. “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, which will help us better understand the toxicity of e-cigarette use,” she said.

The research was supported by multiple grants, including funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Western New York–based Center for Research on Flavored Tobacco Products. Additional support came from the University of Rochester’s Clinical and Translational Science Award program. The authors note that while their findings contribute to the broader understanding of vaping’s health effects, further studies are needed to explore the long-term risks.

These results underscore the importance of continued research into the biological consequences of e-cigarette use. As vaping remains a prevalent habit, particularly among younger populations, studies like this provide valuable data to inform public health initiatives and regulatory policies aimed at minimizing potential risks.