Vaping affects thousands of genes; fruit flavors are the most harmful
Regular use of e-cigarettes can alter the activity of more than 3,000 genes linked to the development of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. According to research, fruit flavors and modern “mod” devices have the most significant negative impact.
Scientists compared gene activity in 83 participants—35 vapers, 24 smokers of conventional cigarettes, and 24 people who do not smoke at all. Cell samples were taken from the cheek mucosa and analyzed using RNA sequencing—a method that allows for the simultaneous tracking of changes in thousands of genes.
It turned out that vapers had altered activity in 3,124 genes compared to non-smokers. However, only 28.8% of these changes were related to how often and how much a person vapes. In contrast, 66.6% depended on the flavor type and device.
The study revealed a clear correlation between flavor type and the extent of genetic changes:
- sweet flavors — changes in 2.9% of affected genes
- mint and menthol — 0.9%
- fruit flavors — 31%
- combinations of several flavors — 64.3%
Advanced reusable devices—"mods"—showed the strongest effect; they have a more powerful and stable effect on gene regulation than standard disposable vapes.
“Each flavor has unique properties that trigger different biological effects. Regulators must take this into account when assessing the risks of each flavored product,” said the study’s senior author, Professor Ahmad Besaratini.
The strongest link was found with cancer—it is associated with the greatest number of genetic changes. Next are endocrine disorders, digestive system diseases, and neurological diseases.
The researchers emphasize: chronic diseases develop over decades, but changes in gene activity are early signals of potential harm. Vapers also showed a more unpredictable pattern of changes in gene activity than smokers of conventional cigarettes.
Scientists have already begun the next study—to determine exactly which chemicals in e-liquids are responsible for the genetic changes. “If we identify them, regulators will be able to require manufacturers to reduce or eliminate these substances,” explains Besaratini.
The authors emphasize that the study does not prove that vaping directly causes disease—it concerns early biological changes that may signal long-term risks.
These conclusions were reached by researchers at the University of Southern California, whose work was published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology. This was reported by the Daily Mail.
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