Evaluation of DNA damage through cytogenetic approach in smokers and vapers with and without nicotine compared with control group

Abstract

The use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes is harmful to health and can cause genetic damage, increasing the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. Although e-cigarettes contain fewer toxic chemicals than conventional tobacco, recent studies have shown that the vapor caused by burning produced by e-cigarettes can also be toxic and carcinogenic. Various studies have found that those exposed to tobacco and vaping have significantly higher levels of damage to their DNA in different types of cells and tissues. Evidence has accumulated that e-cigarette vaping can alter cellular functions and DNA itself, increasing the risk of cancer and aging. The present work evaluatesthe cytogenetic damage in individuals exposed to conventional cigarette vapors by burning with nicotine and vapors without nicotine, compared with a non-smoking population. The study included participants with an average age of 30 years (+/-10), with a majority of men representing 70% of the sample. The Chi-square test found no significant statistical differences between the men and women exposed (p<0.05). The results of chromosomal fragility found in the four groups studied (control group, conventional smokers, vapers with nicotine and vapers without nicotine) showed breaks and gaps in one or both of the chromatids in all exposed individuals, with highly significant statistical differences (p<0.001) compared to the unexposed control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the group of conventional smokers and the vapers with and without nicotine, nor between the two types of vapers (p>0.05). In conclusion, cytogenetic evidence of DNA damage produced by vaping is shown in the same proportions as a normal cigarette. This will significantly impact public health, which must be considered in preventive actions. Keywords: cigarettes, vaping, chromosome breakage, DNA damage