Risks of cancer development due to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (literature review)
TL;DR
The need for strict regulation of the distribution and use of ENDS at the legislative level is beyond doubt, as ENDS has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in various types of cancer cells.
Abstract
The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) contributes to the accumulation of chemical agents in the body of users, since ENDS aerosols contain many different compounds. The review considers the pathogenesis and risks of damage to cellular and tissue structures under the influence of chemical compounds that accumulate in the body when using a vape. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular changes in the endothelium have been registered in vapers, which create high risks of unpredictable consequences for the health of the body in the future. ENDS has been found to be one of the additional risk factors for the development of neoplasms. In vivo, mouse models have demonstrated the development of lung adenocarcinoma in 22.5% of those exposed to nicotinecontaining ENDS aerosol for 3 months. In the control group, exposed only to propylene glycol and glycerol, the development of lung neoplasms was not detected, but the formation of mutagenic adducts capable of damaging ENDS was noted. In vitro, ENDS has been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in various types of cancer cells. The risk of lung cancer is 3-4 times higher for those who combined smoking regular cigarettes with the use of vapes (OR = 38.7) than for those who smoke only cigarettes (OR = 9.6). Given the long latent period of tumor growth during inhalation exposure to ENDS aerosols, it is difficult to diagnose negative manifestations at early stages. In this regard, the need for strict regulation of the distribution and use of ENDS at the legislative level is beyond doubt.