Non-smokers Research Articles

Relationship between perception of body image on obesity and smoking status by age group in women: Findings of a seven-year Korean National Survey.

This descriptive study examined the relationship between body image perception and smoking status among women aged 19-64 years in Korea, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). This study is a secondary analysis of data gathered from the KNHANES between 2014 and 2020, encompassing 12515 women aged 19-64 years. The final study group consisted of 742 current smokers (CS), 132 hidden smokers (HS), and 11641 non-smokers (NS). Hidden smokers were defined as participants who reported being non-smokers but had urine cotinine levels >50 ng/mL. The participants were divided into three age categories: 19-29, 30-49, and 50-64 years. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between body image perception and smoking status, by age group. Baseline statistics indicated that smokers (both CS and HS) generally had a lower socioeconomic status across all age groups. The highest rate of obesity perception was observed in the CS group, followed by the HS group, in both groups of women aged 19-29 and 30-49 years. However, only women aged 19-29 years in the CS group were more likely to perceive themselves as obese than those in the NS group (AOR=2.60; 95% CI: 1.49-4.52; p=0.001). Furthermore, factors such as current smoking status (AOR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.28-4.23; p=0.006), higher body mass index (AOR=2.95; 95% CI: 2.59-3.37; p<0.001), and perceived health status as poor (AOR=3.82; 95% CI: 2.11-6.92; p<0.001), significantly influenced the perception of obesity in this age group. This study identified a notable relationship between obesity perception and smoking among women aged 19-29 years only. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at weight reduction or modifying the perception of obesity, could potentially aid smoking cessation efforts in young women.

The benefits of preoperative smoking cessation on abdominal wall reconstruction outcomes: An examination of abstinent versus never smokers

IntroductionActive smoking is related to wound and respiratory complications following abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), but no AWR studies directly compare outcomes of abstinent-smokers (AS), fulfilling four-weeks of smoking cessation, to non-smokers (NS). MethodsProspectively maintained institutional database was queried for all AWR between 2012 and 2019. AS and NS were included. Primary outcomes were wound and respiratory complications; secondary outcome was recurrence. Standard statistical analyses were performed. ResultsEvaluation included 1088 patients, 305 AS and 783 NS. AS had a lower BMI (31.3 vs 32.7 ​kg/m2; P ​= ​0.004) but increased ASA Class III (51.5% vs 34.5 ​%, P ​= ​0.009), COPD (8.9% vs 4.0 ​%, P ​= ​0.001), comorbidities (6.3 vs 4.7, P < 0.001), and wound class (Class III/IV: 25.3% vs 15.8 ​%, P ​= ​0.003). AS had increased defect size (229 vs 209.1 ​cm2; P ​= ​0.023), use of component separation (CST) (52.5% vs 43.8 ​%; P ​= ​0.010) and hospital stay (6.6 vs 6.2 days, P ​= ​0.015). Postoperative wound, mesh, and pulmonary infection, respiratory failure, and recurrence were similar.On multivariable regression, wound class and complications predicted recurrence. BMI, panniculectomy and CST predicted wound complications. BMI, CST, and wound class predicted respiratory complications. ConclusionDespite greater patient and hernia complexity, smoking cessation appears to result in similar outcomes to never-smokers in this AWR population.

Effect of scaling on levels of interleukin 1-beta and clinical periodontal parameters among e-cigarette users and non-smokers: A prospective study.

This cohort study aimed to compare the effect of ultrasonic scaling on the expression of IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) among ENDS users and non-smokers (NS) with gingivitis. Self-reported current electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) users and NS with generalized gingivitis were included in this study. All the patients underwent scaling at the baseline visit (T0). Clinical measures, periodontal parameters [probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP)], and GCF IL-1β were measured at T0, after 1 week (T1) and after 3 weeks (T2). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess the changes in the periodontal measurements and IL-1β levels at different time points and Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare the two groups. A total of 38 individuals (18 NS and 20 ENDS users) participated in the study. The PD was significantly higher in ENDS users than in NS at baseline. However, the PI and BOP were similar in all groups at baseline. At T1, the PI was significantly lower for NS than for ENDS users (p=0.045). At T2, there were no significant differences in any of the parameters assessed between the two groups. For ENDS users, BOP was significantly lower at T1 than at baseline. For NS, the BOP at T1 and T2 and the PI at T1 were significantly lower than at baseline. There was no difference in the GCF IL-1β levels in NS and ENDS users at baseline, T1, and T2. At T2, there was a significant reduction in IL-1β (p<0.05) than at baseline in both groups. Both ENDS users and NS with gingivitis responded similarly to scaling. GCF IL-1β levels were significantly higher at baseline (p<0.05) compared with their levels at T1 and T2 for both the groups. The study was registered on the official website of ClinicalTrials.gov. ID NCT05745324.

A pilot study on oral microbiome in electronic cigarettes consumers versus traditional cigarettes smokers.

Oral microorganisms are closely related to oral health, the occurrence of some oral diseases is associated with changes in the oral microbiota, and many studies have demonstrated that traditional smoking can affect the oral microbial community. However, due to the short time since the emergence of e-cigarettes, fewer studies are comparing oral microorganisms for users of e-cigarettes versus cigarettes. We collected saliva from 40 non-smokers (NS), 46 traditional cigarette smokers (TS), and 27 e-cigarette consumers (EC), aged between 18 and 35 years. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the saliva samples collected to study the effects of e-cigarettes versus traditional cigarettes on the oral microbiome. The results showed that compared with the NS group, the alpha diversity of oral flora in saliva was altered in the TS group, with no significant change in the e-cigarette group. Compared with the NS and EC groups, the relative abundance of Actinomyces and Prevotella was increased in the TS group. However, compared with the NS and TS groups, the relative abundance of Veillonella was increased, and the relative abundance of Porphyromonas and Peptostreptococcus was decreased in the EC group. These results showed that both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes could alter the structure and composition of oral microbiota. The use of traditional cigarettes promotes the growth of some anaerobic bacteria, which may contribute to dental decay and bad breath over time. E-cigarettes have a different effect on the structure and composition of the oral microbial community compared to conventional cigarettes. In order to better understand the effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes on users' mouths, future studies will investigate the relationship between diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis and changes in oral microbial species levels.

Exposure to serum from exclusive heated tobacco product smokers induces mTOR activation and fibrotic features in human cardiac stromal cells

Chronic smokers have increased risk of fibrosis-related atrial fibrillation. The use of heated-tobacco products (HTPs) is increasing exponentially, and their health impact is still uncertain. We aim to investigate the effects of circulating molecules in exclusive HTP chronic smokers on the fibrotic behavior of human atrial cardiac stromal cells (CSCs). CSCs were isolated from atrial tissue of elective cardiac surgery patients, and exposed to serum lots from young healthy subjects, stratified in exclusive HTP smokers, tobacco combustion cigarette (TCC) smokers, or nonsmokers (NS). CSCs treated with TCC serum displayed impaired migration and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cells cultured with HTP serum showed increased levels of pro-fibrotic markers, and reduced expression of connexin-43. Both TCC and HTP sera increased collagen release and reduced secretion of angiogenic protective factors from CSCs, compared to NS serum. Paracrine support to tube-formation by endothelial cells and to viability of cardiomyocytes was significantly impaired. Treatment with sera of both smokers groups impaired H2O2/NO release balance by CSCs and reduced early phosphorylation of several pathways compared to NS serum, leading to mTOR activation. Cotreatment with rapamycin was able to reduce mTOR phosphorylation and differentiation into aSMA-positive myofibroblasts in CSCs exposed to TCC and HTP sera. In conclusion, the circulating molecules in the serum of chronic exclusive HTP smokers induce fibrotic behavior in CSCs through activation of the mTOR pathway, and reduce their beneficial paracrine effects on endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. These results point to a potential risk for cardiac fibrosis in chronic HTP users.

Effect of initial periodontal therapy on metallothionein levels in smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on mRNA expression of metallothionein (MT) and its levels in serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of smokers (S) and non-smokers (NS) with periodontitis (P).A total of 100 participants were included: 48 periodontally healthy (PH) subjects (24 S [PH + S] and 24 NS [PH + NS]) and 52 patients with P (27 S [P + S] and 25 NS [P + NS]). Clinical parameters were recorded, and biofluids (serum, saliva and GCF) and gingival tissue samples were obtained at baseline in all groups and 3months after NSPT in P groups. MT levels in biofluids were determined by ELISA. In gingival tissues, MT-mRNA expression was quantified using real-time PCR. mRNA expression of MT and its levels in biofluids were significantly higher in P + S compared to other groups, and the differences between P + NS and PH + S were non-significant. A significant decrease was observed for MT levels in biofluids, and MT-mRNA expression in periodontitis patients after NSPT. In conclusion, smoking and periodontitis are associated with higher MT expression which decreases after NSPT. MT as an oxidative stress biomarker and its therapeutic role in periodontitis should be investigated in future studies.Clinical trial registration: The study was prospectively registered at Clinical Trials Registry-India (ctri.nic.in) as CTRI/2018/08/015427 on August 23, 2018.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 expression and its regulation in relation to inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The family of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) acts as a controller of the duration and intensity of cytokine function by negatively regulating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. SOCS' role in inflammatory diseases in animal models is well demonstrated. However, its role in the development of human disease is still under investigation. SOCS3 plays an important role in tumor development where its downregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various solid tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer. The aim of this work was to study (1) the expression of SOCS3 in smokers' lungs and its relation to the degree of inflammation and (2) SOCS3 regulation by microRNA (miRNA) in alveolar-macrophage (AM)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Group A: 35 smokers' [19 with COPD (SC) and 16 without COPD (S)] and 9 nonsmokers (NS); SOCS3, TNFα in AM, and CD8+ T cells were quantified by immunohistochemistry, in lung tissue. Group B: additional 9 SC, 11 S, and 5 NS; AM-EVs expressing SOCS3 (CD14+SOCS3+) and SOCS3 suppressors miRNA-19a-3p and 221-3p in EVs were quantified by flow cytometry and PCR, in BAL. The percentage of SOCS3+ AM was higher in SC [68 (6.6-99)%] and S [48 (8-100)%] than in NS [9.6 (1.9-61)%; p = 0.002; p = 0.03] and correlated with % of TNFα+AM (r = 0.48; p = 0.0009) and CD8+ T cells (r = 0.44; p = 0.0029). In BAL, the CD14+SOCS3+ EVs/μL were increased in SC [33 (21-74)] compared to S [16 (8-37); p = 0.03] and NS [9 (7-21); p = 0.003]. Conversely, miRNA-19a-3p and miRNA-221-3p expression were increased in S when compared to SC [19 (2-53) vs. 3 (0.6-8); p = 0.03 and 3 (0.005-9.6) vs. 0.2 (0.08-0.7); p = 0.05]. The suppressor function of SOCS3 in COPD seems to be overridden by other factors and does not follow the animal-model paradigm. Expression of SOCS3 in BAL macrophage-derived EVs might be useful to assess the degree of inflammation and possible progression of COPD. Downregulation of SOCS3, by miRNA, in smokers without COPD might contribute to the risk of developing cancer in these patients.

Long-term outcomes in the smoking claudicant after peripheral vascular interventions

ObjectiveEmphasis on tobacco cessation, given the urgent and emergent nature of vascular surgery, is less prevalent than standard elective cases such as hernia repairs, cosmetic surgery, and bariatric procedures. The goal of this study is to determine the effect of active smoking on claudicating individuals undergoing peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Our goal is to determine if a greater emphasis on education should be placed on smoking cessation in nonurgent cases scheduled through clinic visits and not the Emergency Department. MethodsThis study was performed using the multi-institution de-identified Vascular Quality Initiative/Medicare-linked database (Vascular Implant Surveillance and Interventional Outcomes Network [VISION]). Claudicants who underwent PVI for peripheral arterial occlusive disease between 2004 and 2019 were included in our study. Our final sample consisted of a total of 18,726 patients: 3617 nonsmokers (19.3%) (NSs), 9975 former smokers (53.3%) (FSs), and 5134 current smokers (27.4%) (CSs). We performed propensity score matching on 29 variables (age, gender, race, ethnicity, treatment setting [outpatient or inpatient], obesity, insurance, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, previous coronary artery bypass graft, carotid endarterectomy, major amputation, inflow treatment, prior bypass or PVI, preoperative medications, level of treatment, concomitant endarterectomy, and treatment type [atherectomy, angioplasty, stent]) between NS vs FS and FS vs CS. Outcomes were long-term (5-year) overall survival (OS), limb salvage (LS), freedom from reintervention (FR), and amputation-free survival (AFS). ResultsPropensity score matching resulted in 3160 well-matched pairs of NS and FS and 3750 well-matched pairs of FS and CS. There was no difference between FS and NS in terms of OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-1.09; P = .43), FR (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89-1.04; P = .35), or AFS (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79-1.03; P = .12). However, when compared with CS, we found FS to have a higher OS (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33; P = .01), less FR (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.96; P = .003), and greater AFS (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.31; P = .01). ConclusionsThis multi-institutional Medicare-linked study looking at elective PVI cases in patients with peripheral artery disease presenting with claudication found that FSs have similar 5-year outcomes in comparison to NSs in terms of OS, FR, and AFS. Additionally, CSs have lower OS and AFS when compared with FSs. Overall, this suggests that smoking claudicants should be highly encouraged and referred to structured smoking cessation programs or even required to stop smoking prior to elective PVI due to the perceived 5-year benefit.

The Outcome of Smoking on Healing of Bone Around Dental Implants.

To assess the outcome of cigarette smoking and non-smoking on the healing of bone around dental implants. A retrospective analysis was made over 6 years of the clinical and radiographic findings corresponding to 60 consecutive patients (25 women and 35 men) who had received a total of 100 implants. Patients were divided into two groups: smokers, 32 patients (received 50 implants); and non-smokers (NSs), 28 patients (received 50 implants). Smokers were identified as people smoking >15 cigarettes per day. The success and failure cases were evaluated and studied. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Smokers and NSs received 50 implants in each group with 5 (10%) and 2 (4%) failures and 90% and 96% of success in smokers and NSs, respectively. Smokers had a higher failure rate than NSs. The difference was statistically significant. The results indicated a higher success of implants in NSs compared to smokers.

Abstract 15697: Exposure to Serum From Exclusive Heated Tobacco Product Smokers Induces mTOR Activation and Fibrotic Features in Human Cardiac Fibroblasts

Introduction: Smokers are at higher risk of fibrosis-related atrial fibrillation. The use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) is rising worldwide with unclear effects on health. The SUR-VAPES chronic trial showed that exclusive HTP smokers have increased serum markers of oxidative/endothelial stress versus non-smokers (NS), comparable to cigarette smokers. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the serological profile of HTP smokers can activate atrial fibroblasts towards a pro-fibrotic phenotype. Methods: CFs were isolated from discarded atrial tissue from elective cardiac surgery procedures, and exposed to serum lots (20 healthy young subjects each) from HTP smokers (mean exclusive use=1.5 years) or clinically matched NSs from the SUR-VAPES Chronic trial. ANOVA testing was applied. Results: CFs treated with HTP serum increased expression of fibrotic genes, including PDGFA (1.18-fold, p&lt;0.01) and THY1 (1.22-fold, p&lt;0.01), and increased aSMA protein levels (1.87-fold, p&lt;0.01), compared to NS serum. Connexin 43 was downregulated at both mRNA (1.17-fold, p&lt;0.05) and protein levels (1.56-fold, p&lt;0.01) in CFs after exposure to HTP serum versus NS. COL1A1 expression increased (1.46-fold, p&lt;0.01), with higher soluble collagen release (1.56-fold, p&lt;0.05). CFs pre-treated with HTP serum released lower levels of cardioprotective proteins (e.g. Adiponectin, Chi3L1, VEGF) by protein arrays/ELISA (p&lt;0.05 vs NS). Paracrine support of CF-conditioned media to endothelial tube formation (63.3±4.7 vs 37.3±5.7 mesh #/well, p&lt;0.05) and to cardiomyocyte viability under starvation (0.60±0.04 vs 0.47±0.01 normOD vs t0, p&lt;0.001) were reduced when pre-treated with HTP versus NS serum. Array screening of 37 phospho-proteins in CFs exposed to HTP serum for 1h found several beneficial pathways blunted, with many inhibiting mTOR, including decreased P-PRAS40 (-2.43-fold) and P-p53 (-2.32-fold, p&lt;0.05). Western blot analysis on CFs after 48h of HTP serum treatment confirmed increased P-mTOR (1.40-fold), and its targets P-S6K (1.39-fold) and P-4EBP1 (1.83-fold, all p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The serological profile of chronic exclusive HTP smokers induces CF activation and fibrotic features pointing to a potential risk for atrial fibrosis.

The effect of smoking on clinical and biochemical early healing outcomes of coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft: Prospective cohort study.

This study aimed to determine the effects of smoking on early (≤3 months) clinical outcomes and relevant molecular biomarkers following root coverage surgery. Eighteen smokers and 18 nonsmokers, status biochemically verified, with RT1 gingival recession defects were recruited and completed study procedures. All patients received coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft. Baseline and 3 month recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival phenotype (GP) were recorded. Root coverage (RC) percentage and complete root coverage (CRC) were calculated. Recipient (gingival crevicular fluid) and donor (wound fluid) site VEGF-A, HIF-1α, 8-OHdG, and ANG levels were determined. There were no significant intergroup differences for any baseline or postoperative clinical parameters (P>0.05), except for whole mouth gingival index (increased in nonsmokers at 3 months; P<0.05). Compared to baseline, RD, RW, CAL, KTW, and GP significantly improved postoperatively, without significant intergroup differences. There were no significant intergroup differences for RC (smokers=83%, nonsmokers=91%, P=0.069), CRC (smokers=50%, nonsmokers=72%, P=0.177), and CAL gain (P=0.193). The four biomarker levels significantly increased postoperatively (day 7; P≤0.042) in both groups and returned to baseline (day 28) without significant intergroup differences (P>0.05). Similarly, donor site parameters were not different between groups. Strong correlations, consistent over time, were found between biomarkers implicated in angiogenesis (VEGF-A, HIF-1α, and ANG). The early (3 month) clinical and molecular changes after root coverage surgery utilizing a coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft are similar between smokers and nonsmokers.

RIG-I agonist SLR10 promotes macrophage M1 polarization during influenza virus infection.

A family of short synthetic, triphosphorylated stem-loop RNAs (SLRs) have been designed to activate the retinoic-acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) pathway and induce a potent interferon (IFN) response, which may have therapeutic potential. We investigated immune response modulation by SLR10. We addressed whether RIG-I pathway activation with SLR10 leads to protection of nonsmoking (NS) and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice after influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Mice were given 25 µg of SLR10 1 day before IAV infection. We compared the survival rates and host immune responses of NS and CS-exposed mice following challenge with IAV. SLR10 significantly decreased weight loss and increased survival rates in both NS and CS-exposed mice during IAV infection. SLR10 administration repaired the impaired proinflammatory response in CS-exposed mice without causing more lung injury in NS mice as assessed by physiologic measurements. Although histopathologic study revealed that SLR10 administration was likely to result in higher pathological scores than untreated groups in both NS and CS mice, this change was not enough to increase lung injury evaluated by lung-to-body weight ratio. Both qRT-PCR on lung tissues and multiplex immunoassay on bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) showed that most IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines were expressed at lower levels in SLR10-treated NS mice than control-treaded NS mice at day 5 post infection (p.i.). Remarkably, proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, and GM-CSF were increased in CS-exposed mice by SLR10 at day 5 p.i. Significantly, SLR10 elevated the ratio of the two chemokines (CXCL9 and CCL17) in BALFs, suggesting macrophages were polarized to classically activated (M1) status. In vitro testing also found that SLR10 not only stimulated human alveolar macrophage polarization to an M1 phenotype, but also reversed cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced M2 to M1 polarization. Our data show that SLR10 administration in mice is protective for both NS and CS-exposed IAV-infected mice. Mechanistically, SLR10 treatment promoted M1 macrophage polarization in the lung during influenza infection. The protective effects by SLR10 may be a promising intervention for therapy for infections with viruses, particularly those with CS-enhanced susceptibility to adverse outcomes.

Use of cigarettes and heated tobacco products during pregnancy and maternal–fetal outcomes: a retrospective, monocentric study

PurposeTo compare the effects of using heated tobacco products (HTP) or traditional cigarettes (C) on maternal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective, monocentric study conducted at San Marco Hospital from July 2021 to July 2022. We compared a cohort of pregnant patients who smoked HTP (HS), with pregnant women smoking cigarettes (CS), ex-smoker (ES) and non-smoker (NS) pregnant women. Biochemistry, ultrasound, and neonatal evaluations were performed.ResultsIn total, 642 women were enrolled, of which 270 were NS, 114 were ES, 120 were CS, and 138 were HS. CS had the greatest weight gain and had more difficulty getting pregnant. Smokers and ES experienced more frequently threats of preterm labor, miscarriages, temporary hypertensive spikes, and higher rates of cesarean sections. Preterm delivery was more associated with CS and HS groups. CS and HS had lower awareness of the risks to which the mother and the fetus are exposed. CS were more likely to be depressed and anxious. Biochemical parameters did not show significant differences between the groups. CS had the greatest difference in days between the gestational age calculated based on the last menstrual period and the one based on the actual ultrasound age. The average percentile newborn weight range of CS was lower, as well as the mean 1st minute and the 5th minute Apgar scores.ConclusionThe comparison of the data obtained between CS and HS underlines the greater danger of C. Nevertheless, we do not recommend HTP because the maternal–fetal outcomes are not superimposable to the NS outcomes.

Genotoxicity of waterpipe smoking in young adults from Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

BackgroundWaterpipe, also known as a hookah or narghile, is a type of tobacco products consumption device. Recently it has been increasingly popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Waterpipe consumers are predominantly adolescents and young adults. Many of them believe in slighter harmful effects of waterpipes, compared to cigarettes. We aimed to determine the DNA damage in oral leukocytes and buccal cells of young individuals who have smoked a waterpipe for more than one year. MethodsThe study group consisted of 40 cigarette non-smokers who regularly smoked a waterpipe on average of once per week. As a control, 40 non-smoking individuals were selected to match smokers for age. All participants in the study were healthy male and female adults from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18–30 years of age. Before sampling, detailed survey and informed consent have been provided by each participant. Comet assay in oral leukocytes and buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay in exfoliated buccal cells were applied. ResultsAlmost half of waterpipe smokers (WPS) tasted waterpipe at 15–16 years of age. Comet assay analysis showed increased tail intensity, tail length, and tail moment values among WPS compared to non-smokers (NS) (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0067, and p = 0.0001, respectively). Frequencies of the micronucleated (p = 0.0004), binucleated (p = 0.01), karyorrhectic, (p = 0.0036), and pycnotic cells (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in WPS compared to NS group. ConclusionsGenotoxicity and DNA damage biomarkers were increased in oral leukocytes and exfoliated buccal cells of young waterpipe smokers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, compared to NS group.

Romanian young adult perceptions on using heated tobacco products following exposure to direct marketing methods

Heated tobacco products have a rapid uptake, especially among young people, mostly where advertising is unregulated, as is the case in Romania. This qualitative study explores the influence of direct marketing methods of heated tobacco products on young people, their perception and behaviour towards smoking. We have carried out 19 interviews with smokers of heated tobacco products (HTPs) or/and combustible cigarettes (CCs) or non-smokers (NS), aged 18–26. Using the thematic analysis, we have identified three overarching themes: (1) people, places, and subjects of marketing, (2) engagement with risk narratives and (3) social body, family bonds, and autonomous self. Even if most of the participants have been exposed to a mix of marketing methods, they did not acknowledge the influence that marketing has on their decision to experience smoking. Young adults’ decision to use heated tobacco products seems to be influenced by a cluster of reasons: overcoming the legislation gap which prohibits indoor use of combustible cigarettes but not heated tobacco products; the attractivity of the product (novelty, inviting appearance, technological appeal and price) and presumed less damaging effects on health.

Ectodomain shedding of proteins important for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in plasma of tobacco cigarette smokers compared to electronic cigarette vapers: a cross-sectional study.

The impact of tobacco cigarette (TCIG) smoking and electronic cigarette (ECIG) vaping on the risk of development of severe COVID-19 is controversial. The present study investigated levels of proteins important for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis present in plasma because of ectodomain shedding in smokers, ECIG vapers, and non-smokers (NSs). Protein levels of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (Ang) II (the ligand of ACE2), Ang 1-7 (the main peptide generated from Ang II by ACE2 activity), furin (a protease that increases the affinity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for ACE2), and products of ADAM17 shedding activity that predict morbidity in COVID-19 (IL-6/IL-6R alpha (IL-6/IL-6Rα) complex, soluble CD163 (sCD163), L-selectin) were determined in plasma from 45 NSs, 30 ECIG vapers, and 29 TCIG smokers using ELISA. Baseline characteristics of study participants did not differ among groups. TCIG smokers had increased sCD163, L-selectin compared to NSs and ECIG vapers (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). ECIG vapers had higher plasma furin compared to both NSs (p < 0.001) and TCIG smokers (p < 0.05). ECIG vaping and TCIG smoking did not impact plasma ACE2, Ang 1-7, Ang II, and IL-6 levels compared to NSs (p > 0.1 for all comparisons). Further studies are needed to determine if increased furin activity and ADAM17 shedding activity that is associated with increased plasma levels of sCD163 and L-selectin in healthy young TCIG smokers may contribute to the future development of severe COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

Do Circulating Extracellular Vesicles Strictly Reflect Bronchoalveolar Lavage Extracellular Vesicles in COPD?

Cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in the circulation and body fluids contain biomolecules that could be used as biomarkers for lung and other diseases. EVs from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) might be more informative of lung abnormalities than EVs from blood, where information might be diluted. To compare EVs' characteristics in BAL and blood in smokers with and without COPD. Same-day BAL and blood samples were obtained in 9 nonsmokers (NS), 11 smokers w/o COPD (S), and 9 with COPD (SCOPD) (FEV1: 59 ± 3% pred). After differential centrifugation, EVs (200-500 nm diameter) were identified by flow cytometry and labeled with cell-type specific antigens: CD14 for macrophage-derived EVs, CD326 for epithelial-derived EVs, CD146 for endothelial-derived EVs, and CD62E for activated-endothelial-derived EVs. In BAL, CD14-EVs were increased in S compared to NS [384 (56-567) vs. 172 (115-282) events/μL; p = 0.007] and further increased in SCOPD [619 (224-888)] compared to both S (p = 0.04) and NS (p < 0.001). CD326-EVs were increased in S [760 (48-2856) events/μL, p < 0.001] and in SCOPD [1055 (194-11,491), p < 0.001] when compared to NS [15 (0-68)]. CD146-EVs and CD62E-EVs were similar in the three groups. In BAL, significant differences in macrophage and epithelial-derived EVs can be clearly detected between NS, S and SCOPD, while these differences were not found in plasma. This suggests that BAL is a better medium than blood to study EVs in lung diseases.

DNA Damage on Buccal Epithelial Cells, Personal Working in the Rubber Industry Occupationally Exposed to Carbon Disulfide (CS2).

The most significant industrial utilization of carbon disulfide (CS2) has been in the manufacture of cellulose rayon, cellophane, and rubber industry. CS2 prompts expanded recurrence of chromosomal variations in laborers occupationally exposed to CS2. In the current study, the DNA analysis was carried out from exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from rubber industry workers exposed to CS2 and an equal number of healthy control subjects. Both the control and experimental subjects were categorized by their smoking habits such as smokers (S) and non-smokers (NS). Furthermore, experimental subjects were further separated based on their exposure period. Students t-test statistical tools were used to analyze the final results. The present analysis identified a high frequency of DNA damage in rubber industry workers (16.55±0.43) than control subjects (9.8±0.21). Also, maximum number of DNA damage detected in smoking experimental group (18.27±0.02) than non-smoking experimental (15.02±0.01) and smoking control groups (10.25±0.04 ). Smoking habits synergistically increased the DNA damage in the rubber industry workers exposed to CS2.

Erythrocyte Membrane Resistance Of Actively Smoking Donors In Leukoreduced Packed Red Blood Cells During Storage: Focus On Oxidative Stress

Background — Leukoreduced (with removed white blood cells) packed red blood cells (PRC) are commonly for blood transfusions to reduce post-transfusion effects. The number of active smokers in Indonesia is relatively high; consequently, many of them could be blood donors since no regulations are set to rule them out. However, leukoreduced PRC in active smokers are highly risky as they may undergo erythrocyte membrane damage caused by oxidative stress, which hinders fighting the free radicals generated by smoking. Objective — Our study examined the impact of oxidative stress on membrane resistance of leukoreduced PRC, produced from actively smoking donors, during its storage. Material and Methods − The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in its design. It examined 12 nonsmoking (NS), 12 lightly smoking (LS), and 12 moderately smoking (MS) donors. Leukoreduced PRC produced from donors was separated into three groups: NS, LS, and MS. We performed assessments of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity, and osmotic fragility test (OFT) on days 0 through day 35 of storage (D0-D35). We used nonparametric statistical tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney). We assumed that p&lt;0.05 implied statistically significant difference. Results — The Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated differences on D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, and D35 between all three groups in MDA, SOD, and OFT, with p &lt; 0.05. This study showed that leukoreduced PRC storage increased oxidative stress. The highest oxidative stress occurred in the MS group. Conclusion — Erythrocyte membrane fragility and resistance correlated with oxidative stress. Blood components of leukoreduced PRC produced from moderate smokers should be banned for repeated transfusions.

545 INVESTIGATING THE RISK OF CARDIAC FIBROSIS IN RESPONSE TO HEAT-NOT-BURN CIGARETTES THROUGH HUMAN CARDIAC STROMAL CELLS

Abstract Background The use of alternative smoking devices, such as heat-not-burn cigarettes (HNBC), is increasing on a global scale, and their impact on health is still uncertain. Objective To investigate the effects of circulating molecules in HNBC chronic smokers on the fibrotic specification and paracrine function of cardiac stromal cells (CSCs). Methods Resident CSCs were isolated from the atrial tissue of non-smokers patients with cardiovascular diseases, and exposed to the serum pools derived from 60 young healthy subjects, stratified in exclusive HNBC smokers, traditional combustion cigarette (TCC) smokers, or non-smokers (NS) as reference. Results CSCs treated with TCC serum versus NS displayed impaired 3D growth (NS 568±24 vs. TCC 442±27 spheroids/well, p≤0,01) and reduced migration after 6h (NS 0,62±0,04 vs. TCC 0,80±0,03 normalized scratch area versus t0, p≤0,01) and 10h (NS 0,49±0,03 vs. TCC 0,36±0,03 normalized scratch area versus t0, p≤0,05), as well as significantly increased expression (IL-6, IL-8) and/or release of pro-inflammatory (e.g CRP, PAI-1, CD40L, CXCL4) and pro-fibrotic cytokines (PDGFA, MMP1). CSCs cultured with HNBC serum showed significantly increased mRNA levels of pro-fibrotic genes (PDGFA, THY1, COL1A1, p&amp;lt;0,01), and significantly reduced expression of the gap junction protein CX43 (p&amp;lt;0,05). Nonetheless, both TCC and HNBC sera reduced the release of angiogenic and protective factors (e.g. VEGF, Adiponectin, CHI3L1) from CSCs, as assessed by protein arrays and ELISA. In fact, their paracrine support to tube-formation by endothelial cells (NS 63,29±4,72 vs. TCC 41,43±6,64 vs. HNBC 37,29±5,67 mesh number per well, p≤0,05) and to preserved cell viability of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NS 0,60±0,04 vs. TCC 0,40±0,01 vs. HNBC 0,47±0,01 OD490 normalized OD versus t0, p≤0,001) were significantly impaired. Treatment with the sera of both types of smokers also increased the expression of NOX isoforms and the release of H2O2 (NS 1,76±0,09 vs. TCC 3,84±0,25 vs. HNBC 2,90±0,35 µM, p≤0,05) and significantly reduced the release of NO (NS 6,98±0,43 vs. TCC 4,65±0,07 vs. HNBC 5,06±0,13 µM, p≤0,01) by CSCs. Conclusion The circulating molecules in the serum of chronic HNBC smokers induce fibrotic specification in CSCs. They also reduce the beneficial paracrine effects of stromal cells on endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes, albeit to a reduced extent for some features. These results point to a potential risk for atrial fibrosis development triggered by chronic HNBC use.