Electronic Cigarettes Versus Tobacco Poly Use: Reduced Oxidative Stress but Similar Inflammatory Effect

Smoking in any form is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other oxidative damage-induced diseases. The increasing global trend of E-cigarettes has led traditional smokers to perceive them as a safer option. Smoking in any form is a significant risk factor in developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and oxidative damage. The global trend in E-cigarettes has led traditional smokers to believe it to be the safer option as it does not burn tobacco. This study aimed to compare the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation between pure E-cigarette users and tobacco poly-users (smoking combinations of traditional products). Moreover, it also evaluated the influence of Body Mass Index, frequency, and duration of vaping/smoking on these biomarkers. This study aimed to compare the differences in the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation between Pure E-cigarette users and polyusers who smoke combinations of different types of tobacco. Further, observe the influence of Body Mass Index, frequency, and duration of vaping/smoking on the biomarkers between the two groups. This analytical cross-sectional pilot study included 40 males aged 18-25 (20 pure E-cigarette users and 20 tobacco poly-users). MDA and hs-CRP were estimated on serum, and SPSS-Version 28.0.1.1 was used for data analysis. Mean hs-CRP and MDA levels for the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U test. This analytical cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 40 males aged 18-25 (20 Pure E-cigarette users and 20 tobacco polyusers). MDA and hs-CRP were estimated on serum using standard procedures. SPSS Version 28.0.1.1 was used for data analysis. Mean hs-CRP and MDA levels were recorded for the two groups, and a comparison was made using the Mann-Whitney test. Mean level of hs-CRP between the two groups was not significantly different. However, MDA levels were lower in pure E-cigarette users than in tobacco poly-users, especially among those with normal BMI and those who vaped/smoked more frequently and for a longer duration The mean level of hs-CRP between both groups was not significantly different; however, MDA levels were lower in Pure E-cigarette users than in tobacco polyusers, especially among those with normal BMI, those who vaped/smoked more frequently, and those who have been vaping/smoking for years. Oxidative damage was lesser for pure E-cigarette users and could potentially be the less harmful option than tobacco poly-use. However, E-cigarettes are not the safest substitute for conventional smoking as it causes a similar extent of risk for inflammation-related CVD. Findings need further exploration to study the long-term effects on a larger population group to draw definitive conclusions. Oxidative damage was lesser for pure E-cigarette users and could potentially be the less harmful option than tobacco polyuse. However, E-cigarettes are not the safest substitute for conventional smoking as it causes a similar extent of risk for inflammation-related diseases. The only effort needed for a healthy lifestyle is to target smoking cessation rather than substitution.