E-Cigarette Use, Cigarette Use, and Sex Modify the Nasal Microbiome and Nasal Host-Microbiota Interactions

Abstract

E-cigarettes are often perceived as safer than cigarettes, but previous research suggests that e-cigarettes can alter respiratory innate immune function. The respiratory microbiome plays a key role in respiratory host defense, but the effect of e-cigarettes on the respiratory microbiome has not been studied. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on nasal epithelial lining fluid samples from adult e-cigarette users, smokers, and nonsmokers, followed by novel computational analysis of pairwise log ratios, we determined that e-cigarette use and smoking causes differential respiratory microbiome dysbiosis, which was further affected by sex. We also collected nasal lavage fluid for analysis of immune mediators associated with host-microbiota interactions. Our analysis identified disruption of the relationships between host-microbiota mediators in the nose of e-cigarette users and smokers, which is indicative of disrupted respiratory mucosal immune responses. Our approach provides a novel platform that robustly identifies host immune dysfunction caused by e-cigarette use or smoking.

Feasibility and acceptability of remote procedures to study tobacco product use and respiratory health: an observational study

“…1 E-cigarette use may have adverse effects on young adults' respiratory health, including acute symptoms of respiratory disease [2][3][4][5][6] and detrimental effects on lung cellular and organ physiology and immune function. [7][8][9][10] IQOS, another non-cigarette product, is a heated tobacco product, which was authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 to be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product. 11 The manufacturer's application for the modified risk designation contained limited data on the respiratory outcomes associated with switching from combustible tobacco to IQOS under real-world conditions.…”

“…E-cigarettes are the most commonly used nicotine/tobacco product among young adults, with approximately 23% of young adults age 21–22 reporting past-month e-cigarette use in 2021 1. E-cigarette use may have adverse effects on young adults’ respiratory health, including acute symptoms of respiratory disease2–6 and detrimental effects on lung cellular and organ physiology and immune function 7–10. IQOS, another non-cigarette product, is a heated tobacco product, which was authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 to be marketed as a modified risk tobacco product 11.…”