
Abstract Background Electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity, but there is only little information on their biologic effects on the oral epithelium, the initial site exposed to electronic cigarette smoke. Methods We assessed the oral epithelium response to electronic cigarettes by comparing the histology and RNA transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) of healthy electronic cigarette vapers to nonsmokers. mRNA was assessed based on: (1) genome‐wide; (2) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers versus nonsmokers; (3) immune and inflammatory‐related genes previously identified as dysregulated in the nasal epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers compared to nonsmokers; (4) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the small airway epithelium of nonsmokers following an acute exposure to electronic cigarette; and (5) genes related to the initial steps of COVID‐19 infection. In addition, miRNA was assessed genome‐wide. Comparisons were performed using analysis of variance, and Benajmini–Hochberg corrected p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The histology of the epithelium, lamina propria and basal layer in electronic cigarette vapers appeared normal. Assessment of mRNA and miRNA, based on all gene lists, did not identify any genes significantly modified in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers in response to electronic cigarette use. Conclusion An average history of 2 years of vaping results in no detectable histologic or transcriptome abnormalities in the buccal mucosa.
MicroRNAs, Smokers, Vaping, Humans, COVID-19, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
MicroRNAs, Smokers, Vaping, Humans, COVID-19, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 4 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
