Electronic Cigarettes Versus Tobacco Poly Use: Reduced Oxidative Stress but Similar Inflammatory Effect

Background:
Smoking in any form is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other oxidative damage-induced diseases. The increasing global trend of E-cigarettes has led traditional smokers to perceive them as a safer option.


Objectives:
This study aimed to compare the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation between pure E-cigarette users and tobacco poly-users (smoking combinations of traditional products). Moreover, it also evaluated the influence of Body Mass Index, frequency, and duration of vaping/smoking on these biomarkers.


Materials and Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional pilot study included 40 males aged 18-25 (20 pure E-cigarette users and 20 tobacco poly-users). MDA and hs-CRP were estimated on serum, and SPSS-Version 28.0.1.1 was used for data analysis. Mean hs-CRP and MDA levels for the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U test.


Results:
Mean level of hs-CRP between the two groups was not significantly different. However, MDA levels were lower in pure E-cigarette users than in tobacco poly-users, especially among those with normal BMI and those who vaped/smoked more frequently and for a longer duration


Conclusion:
Oxidative damage was lesser for pure E-cigarette users and could potentially be the less harmful option than tobacco poly-use. However, E-cigarettes are not the safest substitute for conventional smoking as it causes a similar extent of risk for inflammation-related CVD. Findings need further exploration to study the long-term effects on a larger population group to draw definitive conclusions.