Unfiltered Cigarettes Research Articles

Nitrosamine and nicotine exposure after switching from filtered to unfiltered cigarette smoking: a cross-over clinical trial

BackgroundThe cellulose acetate filter is a plastic attachment on nearly all commercial cigarettes sold worldwide. It is the main component of discarded cigarette butts, and the most prevalent waste item...

Switching people who smoke to unfiltered cigarettes: Effects on smoking topography

IntroductionSmoking topography (ST) describes smoking behavior and patterns. Removal of the cigarette filter and subsequent impact on ST has not been investigated. This is the first clinical trial comparing ST for filtered and unfiltered cigarettes in a naturalistic experiment. MethodsWe conducted a crossover clinical trial following established people who smoke cigarettes (n = 32) for two weeks under filtered and unfiltered smoking experimental conditions. Participants (50 % female, mean age 38.3 yr.) smoked in each experimental condition followed by a 3-week post-washout period. ST (puff count, volume, duration, peak and average flow) was measured at six time-points. Statistical analysis included a linear repeated mixed-effects model of smoking experimental conditions by visit number and sex. ResultsAverage flow (ml/sec) was significantly less for filtered smoking (−6.92 lower (95 % CI: −13.44 to −0.39), p < 0.05), thus demonstrating more resistance on inhalation. No significant differences were found between filtered or unfiltered experimental conditions for other ST variables. However, average volume and average peak flow were somewhat higher in unfiltered smoking, and lower mean puff counts/cigarette were observed for unfiltered compared to filtered smoking. ConclusionLower average flow rates were associated with filtered cigarette smoking. No significant differences were found for other ST variables between smoking experimental conditions. ST measurements comparing cigarette smoking conditions may determine if product regulatory changes, such as removing the cigarette filter could impact smoking behavioral patterns among people who smoke. This proof-of-principle study measuring ST may be replicated in larger trials to determine potential behavioral changes in smoking unfiltered cigarettes.

Filtered and Unfiltered Cigarette Effect on White Rats Male Reproduction (Rattus norvegicus L.)

Cigarette smoke can cause various health problems, one of which is a decrease in fertility in males. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of smoke exposure between with and without filter hand-rolled kretek cigarettes (SKT) and white cigarettes on white rats male reproduction: sperm quality in the form of sperm motility and viability, also the structure of seminiferous tubules. This study used 5 treatment groups (KP), namely controls not given exposure to cigarette smoke (KP0), exposure to unfiltered kretek cigarette smoke (KP1), exposure to filtered kretek cigarettes (KP2), exposure to unfiltered white cigarette smoke (KP3) and exposure to secondhand smoke. filtered white cigarettes (KP4) with treatment placement arrangement in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and if there is a significant difference, a Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) is carried out. The results obtained on sperm quality, namely sperm motility and viability, decreased. Good quality at KP0 then the quality decreases successively starting from KP1, KP2, KP3 and KP4. The results on histpathological observations of the seminiferous tubules, there were no pathological changes found in all treatments. In contrast to the histopathology of seminiferous tubules, the number of spermatogenic cells showed a significant difference between treatments with the least average spermatogenic count and a decrease in the number of cells from spermatogonia cells to spermatid cells, namely in the treatment group exposure to filtered white cigarette smoke (KP4). Overall, the exposure that caused the most severe impact on all measured parameters was in the treatment group of filtered white cigarette smoke (KP4).

CIGARETTE SMOKE-INDUCED VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY CONTRIBUTES TO EMPHYSEMA PROGRESSION IN RATS

Emphysema and lung inflammation can be accelerated by a lack of vitamin A, an important nutrient. Vitamin A levels were shown to be lower in rats that were given benzopyrene, a component of cigarette smoke. Two separate groups of rats served as experimental subjects for the length of the study. The first group, known as the experimental group, was subjected to daily, unfiltered cigarette smoke exposure for fifteen sessions, while the second group, called the control group, was exposed just to outside air. An assessment was conducted to measure the levels of retinol and vitamin A in the blood, liver, and lungs six weeks after the investigation began. Vitamin A levels were found to be lower in the group of rats that were exposed to cigarette smoke. Additionally, amounts of pulmonary vitamin A were positively correlated with emphysema severity, indicating a negative connection. Hyperplasia of the tracheal epithelium and the development of hepatic vacuoles were also noted.

Protecting public health and the environment: towards a general ban on cellulose acetate cigarette filters in the European Union.

After the establishment of a causal relationship between tobacco use and cancer in the 1950s, cellulose acetate filters were introduced with the claim to reduce the adverse health impact of unfiltered cigarettes. Often perceived to be more pleasant and healthy, filters encouraged smoking. However, filtered cigarettes are more deeply inhaled to obtain the same nicotine demand while altered combustion releases more tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The increasing use of cigarette filter ventilation is associated with a sharp rise in lung adenocarcinomas in recent decades. While not preventing adverse health effects, a global environmental problem has been created due to the non-biodegradable filter litter, causing ecotoxicological effects and the spread of microplastics. Recently, the Belgian Superior Health Council advised policymakers to ban cigarette filters as single-use plastics at both national and European levels. This article outlines the arguments used to justify this plea (human health and environment), the expected effects of a filter ban, as well as the public reception and reactions of the tobacco industry. The specific context of the European Union is discussed including the revision of the Single-Use Plastics Directive, affording a new opportunity to ban plastic filters. This perspective article aims to fuel the momentum and cooperation among member states for this purpose.

Antioxidant Activity of Fermented Red Bean Extract on Sperm Quality of Mice Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Smoking has a negative effect on fertilization as it decreases sperm quality. The current research aimed to investigate the effect of fermented red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extract on sperm motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of white mice (Mus musculus) exposed to cigarette smoke. The red beans were subjected to a 36-hour fermentation process using Rhizopus spp. Then, methanol was extracted by maceration method for 24 hours until maceration was obtained. In this study, 25 male white mice aged 3 months were randomly divided into 5 groups of 5 mice. Group C (negative control) was given 0.5 mL of carboxymethyl cellulose natrium (CMC Na) 1% solution orally without unfiltered cigarette smoke exposure, and group C+ (positive control) was given 0.5 mL of CMC Na 1% solution orally and unfiltered cigarette smoke exposure. Treatment groups T1, T2, and T3 were orally given fermented red bean extract at doses of 26 mg/kg Body weight (BW), 52 mg/kg BW, and 104 mg/kg BW, respectively, and then were exposed to unfiltered cigarette smoke. For 36 days, treatment groups (except the negative control) were subjected to the inhalation of smoke from an unfiltered cigarette containing a nicotine dose of 2.2 mg. The exposure period lasted for 20 minutes each day. Each group was put into a cigarette smoke-exposing box. The sperm motility (observing the forward movement of spermatozoa), the sperm viability (examining the color of the sperm head), and the sperm plasma membrane integrity (observing the tail shape using the hypoosmotic swelling test) were then evaluated. The findings indicated significant differences in sperm motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of each group with positive control. A dose of 104 mg/kg BW of fermented red bean extract had the best potential to maintain sperm motility (70%), viability (82.13%), and plasma membrane integrity (61.93%) of mice exposed to unfiltered cigarette smoke.

Hepato-protective potential of Choline and DHA supplements in rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter-A histological study

Introduction: Smokeless tobacco is known to induce liver damage by decreasing its detoxifying capability. Chronic exposure to tobacco particulate matter in various forms jeopardizes the normal function of vital organs including the liver. The tobacco rolled in tendu leaf; known as ‘bidi’ is an unfiltered cigarette having tobacco content that is different from those used in cigarettes and is referred to as 'bidi tobacco'. Bidi smoking or chronic exposure to bidi tobacco causes multi-organ diseases. Choline and docosahexaenoic acid (C &amp; DHA) are dietary components known to have hepato-protective action. But the combined action of choline and DHA on tobacco particulate-induced liver damage is largely unknown. The present study was designed to assess the hepato-protective potential of choline and DHA supplements to rat dams and pups exposed to tobacco particulate matter. Liver histological changes were analyzed from groups of Wistar rat dams and their pups [Unexposed Normal controls (NC) and those exposed to different tobacco particulate matters namely, tendu leaf smoke, tobacco dust, and bidi smoke] with or without supplementation of both choline and DHA. Results: Hepatocytic morphological architecture showed non-alcoholic fatty changes in all rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter and more so visibly higher in tobacco dust exposed groups compared to the same in age-matched NC group. These changes were ameliorated in rats supplemented with choline &amp; DHA and exposed to tobacco particulate matter. Conclusion: Chronic exposure of mothers and their offspring to tobacco particulates causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with microstructural changes. Dietary supplementation of choline and DHA to rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter provides hepato-protection and ameliorates the hepatocytic morphological changes.

PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF THE EXCISE POLICY OF GEORGIA

The article considers problematic issues of excise policy related to the taxation of tobacco products. Changes in the excise duty rates on tobacco in Georgia over the last ten years are also discussed. Tobacco products (cigarettes) are commodities that are characterized by particularly inelastic demand and price changes reduce the demand for it to a lesser extent. If different taxes, iincluding the excise duty rates on cigarettes have risen sharply above reasonable levels, making them inaccessible to a statistically significant number of consumers, a strong motivations appears instantly, and illegal supply channels are quite quickly setting up. Such a scheme of development of the situation has taken place many times around the world, even in much more economically developed countries, where the share of tobacco spending in citizens' budgets is much lower. Comparing the codified versions of different periods of the Tax Code and other normative acts, it it has been established that from 2011 to 2021, excise rates on filtered cigarettes increased by an average 5.6 times, and on unfiltered cigarettes - 19 times. The share of taxes (excise and VAT) already exceeds 75% of the average retail selling prices for cigarettes. The reason for the multiple increase in the tax burden on tobacco products is usually the international obligations of the country, both in terms of tobacco taxation to the World Health Organization and in the framework of the Association Agreement with the European Union. Fiscal purposes were also important in implementing the excise policy. The state needed to find additional sources of revenue for financing the increased public expenditure, and under Georgian law, excise duty is the only common State tax that can be increased without a referendum. A sharp rise in excise rates has significantly increased the tax burden on tobacco consumption. This has led to a series of unforeseen consequences. According to official statistics, both local production and imports of tobacco products have significantly decreased. As a result, the demand for excise stamps has sharply decreased. Therefore, the fiscal effect of the multiple increase in excise duty rates on tobacco has been largely offset. However, the reduction in the intensity of tobacco use is not confirmed by any reliable research or reasonable estimates. This indicates that we are dealing with a significant increase in excise duty-free cigarette smuggling and illicit trafficking. This fact is confirmed by statistics - there is a sharp increase in both administrative and criminal offenses in this field. This situation and the discussion of the relevant threats is the subject of this article. We think that excise policy, especially with regard to tobacco products, is one of the most important issues in recent years, which needs to be addressed.

The Idea of Ancestors

The Idea of Ancestors Sue Churchill (bio) After Ethredge Knight My father bobs down the river of ancestors,drifts in darkness where our lights dot the shore. In the sky white pocket handkerchiefs lie crumpled;white tank trucks and barges, white tank carsroll from a chemical plant on high. Below,the river carries his lifetime of shoveled dirt,his black coffee, unfiltered cigarettes. My father knows I disdain him and all his people.I am none of them. They are none of me.He knows the river is dark and cold and dirty.He knows the little he has always had to offer. Oh my yellow-eyed father, yellow-eyed as I am,when I enter the water, I will not be denied. [End Page 105] Sue Churchill A former teacher, Sue Churchill currently works in farming, managing a farm and raising a flock of sheep in Woodford County, Kentucky. She grew up in Breckinridge County, and her work is strongly influenced by the rural setting of her life, past and present. Copyright © 2022 Berea College ...

Viable bacteria abundant in cigarettes are aerosolized in mainstream smoke

Multiple studies have demonstrated that cigarettes harbor bacterial pathogens. Yet, to our knowledge, there are no published data to date on whether or not these microorganisms can be aerosolized and transmitted to the respiratory tract of users. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized cigarette bacterial communities and evaluated whether or not they could be aerosolized in mainstream smoke. Filtered and unfiltered cigarettes were tested. Non-smoked tobacco leaf, enriched non-smoked tobacco leaf extract and enriched mainstream smoke extract samples (n = 144) were incubated on trypticase soy agar, and resulting bacterial colonies were sequenced. Total DNA was also extracted, followed by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene, sequencing and analysis using UCHIME, QIIME and R packages. The predominant bacterial genera cultured from the mainstream smoke of unfiltered cigarettes were Bacillus, Terribacillus, Paenibacillus and Desulfotomaculum. Culturable bacteria were not recovered from the smoke of filtered products. However, sequencing data demonstrated no significant differences in bacterial community diversity in the smoke of filtered versus unfiltered cigarettes, suggesting that other non-culturable bacteria may be aerosolized in mainstream smoke as well. Our study provides novel evidence that tobacco-associated bacterial communities are viable, can be aerosolized in mainstream smoke, and could potentially be transferred to the oral cavity and respiratory tract of smokers.

ANALISIS PREDIKSI PEMILIHAN SISTEM ERP PADA PT GUDANG GARAM TBK BERDASARKAN PROSES RANTAI PASOK YANG DIGUNAKAN

PT Gudang Garam Tbk is a cigarette manufacturer renowned for its unfiltered cigarettes. The number of product lovers compels management to employ supply chain management to maximize distribution. The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is utilized by PT Gudang Garam Tbk to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of its business processes. The objective of this study is to determine why PT Gudang Garam Tbk selected Oracle as its ERP system based on its business processes or supply chain. The documentation study approach is employed to collect data for this study. This study employs a qualitative methodology. This study utilizes both primary and secondary data. As a result of the research and discussion, PT Gudang Garam Tbk develops a supply chain strategy that prioritizes efficiency in order to facilitate production and distribution and reduce distribution costs. In fact, the company chose Oracle because it offers various advantages that other ERP systems lack, including the ability to process massive volumes of data, user control that includes restrictions on other users' access, and a server cluster.

USP13 deficiency aggravates cigarette smoke‐induced alveolar space enlargement through stabilization of TXNIP

Deubiquitinating enzymes regulate cellular function through deubiquitination and stabilization of substrate proteins. We have shown that USP13 deficiency promotes lung inflammation. Cigarette smoke (CS) causes lung connective tissue disruption and oxidative stress in lung cells, resulting in the development of emphysema; however, the role of USP13 in the CS exposure‐induced emphysema has not been well studied. USP13‐deficient mice and wild type mice were exposed to 4 unfiltered cigarettes for 5 days each week, over the course of 6 months. While emphysema was not observed in wild type mice, CS exposure increased γ‐H2AX levels in lung tissues, suggesting a model of mild smoke exposure was established. Under the mild CS exposure condition, USP13‐deficient mice show significant increases in alveolar CL, indicating that USP13‐deficient mice are susceptible to CS‐induced alveolar enlargement. We have shown that USP13 knockout reduced fibronectin expression in lungs. Further, we found that collagen levels were reduced in USP13‐siRNA‐transfected lung fibroblast cells. It is possible that a loss of connective tissue function contributes to alveolar enlargement in USP13‐deficient mice. Oxidative stress is a hallmark of CS‐induced emphysema. We investigated the role of USP13 in the expression of an oxidative stress markers, named thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), which modulates cellular redox states and NLRP3 inflammasome activity. TXNIP expression levels have been shown to be decreased in smokers compared with non‐smokers. TXNIP is unstable in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX). Pretreatment with proteasome inhibitor, MG‐132, attenuated TXNIP degradation, suggesting that TXNIP degradation is mediated by the proteasome. Knockout or knockdown of USP13 in lungs or lung fibroblast cells significantly reduced TXNIP levels. TXNIP degradation is increased in USP13 knockdown cells. Further, the reduction of TXNIP was observed in USP13‐inhibitor‐treated mouse lung epithelial cells. This study provides evidence showing that USP13 deficiency plays a role in alveolar space enlargement.

Naturalistic Topography Assessment in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Smoking Unfiltered Cigarettes: Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations.

Smoking topography (ST) is a set of measures profiling the behavioral characteristics of smoking in various settings. The CReSS portable device can measure ST in the natural environment. No standard protocol exists for measuring ST longitudinally with the CReSS. This study examined the utilization of the CReSS to measure ST and highlights challenges and opportunities in a naturalistic setting. This study is part of a randomized cross-over clinical trial of smoking filtered or unfiltered cigarettes. Participants (n = 43) smoked in each study condition for two weeks using the CReSS device for five days in their naturalistic smoking setting. The devices were calibrated and cleaned during the washout period, and data were downloaded every visit. Five test puffs were administered to calibrate each device. Moderate compliance rates (74.1%) were found with device usage, and the issues encountered were overheating/clogging, incorrectly registered date/time-stamped data, and device repair/replacement. Routine inspection/cleaning and training in device usage were instrumental in mitigating device malfunctioning. The CReSS device proved to be a feasible tool to examine naturalistic smoking topography and the potential impact of changes in tobacco product design on smoking unfiltered cigarettes. This is the first study to examine ST variables longitudinally, measured at multiple time points, and using unfiltered cigarettes.

PREVALENCE OF SMOKING AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG RURAL POPULATION IN RUSSIA

Significance. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are the major public health problem. These causes lead to the increased morbidity rates, excess mortality, decreased healthy life expectancy, lost health, deteriorated heredity and health of children, high health costs associated with prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Alcohol consumption and smoking among rural dwellers are important factors hindering effectiveness of programs aimed at demographic, infrastructural and socio-economic development of rural areas. Purpose. To analyze prevalence of bad habits (tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption) among rural dwellers both in dynamics (1994-2019) and by main socio-demographic groups. Material and methods. Results of the Russian Monitoring of Economic Situation and Health of the Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE) (1994—2019) served the study information basis. To meet the study purpose, a subsample of rural dwellers residing in settlements with population under 1000 people was developed. The subsample included men and women of five age groups: 1). under 18; 2). 18-25 years; 3). 26-45 years; 4). 46-60 years; and 5). over 60. The total subsample number equalled to 34 833 people, including 15 741 males (45.2%) and 19 942 females (54.8%). The analysis of multivariate distribution of the respondents' answers was carried out using the SPSS 17.0 statistical data processing package. Results. There was a gradual decrease in the share of smokers among rural males from the maximum of 67.4% in 2003 to 47.1% in 2019.The share of smokers among rural females reached its maximum in 2011 (11.9%) with a subsequent decline to 8.7% in 2019, with the share of female somokers increasing 2.8 times during the study period. A smooth upward trend in the share of women smoking in the active childbearing age of 26-45 years was identified (from 4.1% in 1994 to 21.1% in 2019). The average age of the smoking debut decreases with every new generation in both males and females. With age the share of smokers of "quality" tobacco (filtered) decreases with a proportional increase in the share of smokers of "low-quality" tobacco (unfiltered cigarettes, cigarettes, hand-rolled cigarettes). A detailed age-specific analysis of the number of cigarettes smoked shows that the smoking intensity in men decreases with age, while it increases in woman. Gender differences in the dynamics in alcohol consumption were revealed. From 1994 to 2005, a noticeable decrease in the share of alcohol consumers was registered among males (from 69.3% to 59.5%, respectively), while the share of alcohol consumers among females remained almost changed during this perios (42.0%-45.0%). The rise in consumption in 2006 was more pronounced among females (by 26.4%) compared to males (by 21.3%). As a result, the difference between the share of male and female alcohol consumers decreased during the study period (from 27.1% in 1994 to 13.3% in 2019). Increase in the share of alcohol consumers in 1994-2019 equalled to 2.9% in males and 16.7% in females. Among rural males aged 18-25, the share of alcohol consumers decreased by 26.4% in 1994-2019, while among females of the same age it increased by 17.2%. Decreased consumption was observed in the age group of 26-45 years, both among males (from 78.7% in 1994 to 65.1% in 2019) and females (by 4.3% compared to 1994). The trend in alcohol consumption in the 46-60 year group is of the utmost concern: the share of male alcohol consumers decreased from 68.4% to 61.0%, while it increased (by 19.3%) among females, resulting in a lower difference between the level of male and female alcohol consumption (from 38.6% in 1994 to 3.2% in 2019). Among rural dwellers over 60 the situation is similar: men began to drink less (by 13.3%), while women started to drink more (by 10.3%). Conclusion. The study has identified the increased tobacco and achohol consumption among rural females. With a lower tobacco consumption among females compared to males, negative growth trends have been noted in both the share of female smokers in rural areas and intensity of smoking. A trend towards a significant increase in alcohol consumption has been identified in both young females aged 18-25 and women over 45. In 1994-2019, tobacco consumption among rural males of all age groups, especially males under 18 and males aged 18-25 decreased. Alcohol consumption among males also significantly declined, especially in the youth cohort.

Effects of Unfiltered Cigarettes on Smoking Behavior and Toxicant Exposure: Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.

BackgroundPlastic filters on cigarette butts are a widespread source of nonbiodegradable, toxic environmental waste. State and local legislation to ban the sale of single-use cigarettes may be considered to prevent this waste, but scientific evidence on the impact of switching smokers to unfiltered cigarettes on smoking behavior and toxicant exposures is needed to inform this policy. We have designed an open-label, randomized, 9-week, crossover clinical trial of adult filtered-cigarette smokers who switch to unfiltered cigarettes.ObjectiveOur objective is to understand the impact of switching smokers of filtered cigarettes to unfiltered cigarettes on smoking behavior and toxic exposures.MethodsThis trial involves a 1-week baseline period; a 2-week period of smoking filtered or unfiltered cigarettes, where groups are randomly assigned; a 3-week washout period; another 1-week baseline period; and a 2-week crossover period of smoking the opposite condition (ie, filtered or unfiltered cigarettes) for a sufficient sample size of 40 participants. We will determine changes in (1) observed topography (ie, puff count, interpuff interval, and puff volume) and cigarettes smoked per day, via butt counts and self-report, (2) expired carbon monoxide and excretion of urinary cotinine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol, and volatile organic compounds, and (3) participants’ knowledge and attitudes toward unfiltered cigarettes, satisfaction with smoking, and intention to quit if they were not able to smoke filtered cigarettes.ResultsThis study was funded in June 2018 and approved by the relevant Institutional Review Boards in July 2018. This study has enrolled 37 participants as of October 2020. Data analysis is currently underway, and trial results are expected to be published in spring 2021.ConclusionsThis pilot proof-of-principle study will inform the design of a larger, future research project that can provide robust scientific evidence on our research question. Such a large study could inform possible state or local legislation to ban the sale of single-use filtered cigarettes in order to mitigate the environmental impact of discarded single-use plastic filters.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03749876; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03749876International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/19603

A novel quantification method for sulfur-containing biomarkers of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde exposure in human urine and plasma samples.

A novel method for the quantification of the sulfur-containing metabolites of formaldehyde (thiazolidine carboxylic acid (TCA) and thiazolidine carbonyl glycine (TCG)) and acetaldehyde (methyl thiazolidine carboxylic acid (MTCA) and methyl thiazolidine carbonyl glycine (MTCG)) was developed and validated for human urine and plasma samples. Targeting the sulfur-containing metabolites of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in contrast to the commonly used biomarkers formate and acetate overcomes the high intra- and inter-individual variance. Due to their involvement in various endogenous processes, formate and acetate lack the required specificity for assessing the exposure to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, respectively. Validation was successfully performed according to FDA's Guideline for Bioanalytical Method Validation (2018), showing excellent performance with regard to accuracy, precision, and limits of quantification (LLOQ). TCA, TCG, and MTCG proved to be stable under all investigated conditions, whereas MTCA showed a depletion after 21months. The method was applied to a set of pilot samples derived from smokers who consumed unfiltered cigarettes spiked with 13C-labeled propylene glycol and 13C-labeled glycerol. These compounds were used as potential precursors for the formation of 13C-formaldehyde and 13C-acetaldehyde during combustion. Plasma concentrations were significantly lower as compared to urine, suggesting urine as suitable matrix for a biomonitoring. A smoking-related increase of unlabeled biomarker concentrations could not be shown due to the ubiquitous distribution in the environment. While the metabolites of 13C-acetaldehyde were not detected, the described method allowed for the quantification of 13C-formaldehyde uptake from cigarette smoking by targeting the biomarkers 13C-TCA and 13C-TCG in urine.Graphical abstract.

Association of Cigarette Type and Nicotine Dependence in Patients Presenting for Lung Cancer Screening

Over decades, there have been several alterations to cigarettes, including the addition of filters and flavoring. However, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The aim of this study was to examine the association of type of cigarette on nicotine dependence in the setting of lung cancer screening. This study is a secondary analysis of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network arm of the National Lung Screening Trial. Tobacco dependence was evaluated by using the Fagerstrӧm Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Heaviness of Smoking Index, and time to first cigarette. Clinical outcomes, including nicotine dependence and tobacco abstinence, were assessed with descriptive statistics and χ2 tests, stratified according to cigarette tar level, flavor, and filter. Logistic regression was used to study the influence of variables on smoking abstinence. More than one-third of individuals presenting for lung cancer screening are highly addicted to nicotine and smoke within 5min of waking up. Smokers of unfiltered cigarettes were more nicotine dependent compared with filtered cigarette smokers (OR, 1.32; P< .01). Although smokers of light/ultralight cigarettes had lower dependence (OR, 0.76, P< .0001), there was no difference in smoking abstinence compared with regular cigarette smokers. There was no difference in outcomes when comparing smokers of menthol vsunflavored cigarettes. In a screening population, the type of cigarette smoked is associated with different levels of dependence. Eliciting type of cigarette and time to first cigarette has the potential to allow for tailored tobacco treatment interventions within this context.

Mitochondrial functioning abnormalities observed in blood platelets of chronic smoke-exposed guinea pigs - a pilot study.

BackgroundCOPD represents a major global health issue, which is often accompanied by cardiovascular diseases. A considerable body of evidence suggests that cardiovascular risk is elevated by the activation of blood platelets, which in turn is exacerbated by inflammation. As reactive oxygen species are believed to be an important factor in platelet metabolism and functioning, the aim of our study was to perform a complex assessment of mitochondrial function in platelets in chronic smoke exposed animals with COPD-like lung lesions.Materials and methodsEight-week-old, male Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (the study group) were exposed to the cigarette smoke from commercial unfiltered cigarettes (0.9 mg/cig of nicotine content) or to the air without cigarette smoke (control group), using the Candela Constructions® exposure system. The animals were exposed for 4 hours daily, 5 days a week, with 2×70 mL puff/minute, until signs of dyspnea were observed. The animals were bled, and isolated platelets were used to monitor blood platelet respiration. The mitochondrial respiratory parameters of the platelets were monitored in vitro based on continuous recording of oxygen consumption by high-resolution respirometry.ResultsAn elevated respiration trend was observed in the LEAK-state (adjusted for number of platelets) in the smoke-exposed animals: 6.75 (5.09) vs 2.53 (1.28) (pmol O2/[s ⋅ 1108 platelets]); bootstrap-boosted P1α=0.04. The study group also demonstrated lowered respiration in the ET-state (normalized for protein content): 12.31 (4.84) vs 16.48 (1.72) (pmol O2/[s ⋅ mg of protein]); bootstrap-boosted P1α=0.049.ConclusionOur results suggest increased proton and electron leak and decreased electron transfer system capacity in platelets from chronic smoke-exposed animals. These observations may also indicate that platelets play an important role in the pathobiology of COPD and its comorbidities and may serve as a background for possible therapeutic targeting. However, these preliminary outcomes should be further validated in studies based on larger samples.

Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Cigarette Smoke-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Bronchial Epithelial Cells.

Background: Apoptosis of lung structural cells contributes to the process of lung damage and remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our previous studies demonstrated that exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can reduce the lung tissue pathology score, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects in COPD, but the effect of H2S in regulating cigarette smoke (CS) induced bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms are not clear.Objectives: To investigate the effect of H2S on CS induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis.Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats randomly divided into four groups for treatment: control, CS, NaHS + CS, and propargylglycine (PPG) + CS. The rats in the CS group were exposed to CS generated from 20 commercial unfiltered cigarettes for 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 4 months. Since the beginning of the third month, freshly prepared NaHS (14 μmol/kg) and PPG (37.5 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered 30 min before CS-exposure in the NaHS and PPG groups. 16HBE cells were pretreated with Taurine (10 mM), 5 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) or NaHS (100, 200, and 400 μM) for 30 min, and then cells were exposed to 40 μmol/L nicotine for 72 h. ERS markers (GRP94, GRP78) and ERS-mediated apoptosis markers 4-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-3 and caspase-12 were assessed in rat lung tissues and human bronchial epithelial cells. The apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells were detected by Hoechst staining in vitro and TUNEL staining in vivo.Results: In CS exposed rats, peritoneal injection of NaHS significantly inhibited CS induced overexpression ERS-mediated apoptosis markers and upregulation of apoptotic rate in rat lungs, and inhibiting the endogenous H2S production by peritoneal injection of PPG exacerbated these effects. In the nicotine-exposed bronchial epithelial cells, appropriate concentration of NaHS and ERS inhibitors taurine and 4-PBA inhibited nicotine-induced upregulation of apoptotic rate and overexpression of ERS-mediated apoptosis markers.Conclusion: H2S inhibited lung tissue damage by attenuating CS induced ERS in rat lung and exogenous H2S attenuated nicotine induced ERS-mediated apoptosis in bronchial epithelial cells.

Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes.

BackgroundCigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers’ perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys ‘lightness’.MethodsThis study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette.ResultsOverall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively.ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip.