Assessment of some biochemical markers in electronic nicotine device smokers in Diyala province

Abstract

Background: Vaping has gained significant popularity among young people in recent years as an alternative to conventional smoking. Despite being promoted as a safer substitute, the health consequences of vaping remain largely unknown. One area of concern is its impact on biochemical markers – substances that reflect changes in physiological processes. We hypothesized that identifying systemic indicators – such as proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, vascular and growth factors, lipid mediators, and markers of elastin degradation – would provide insight into the potential toxicity of e-cigarette use. This study sought to conduct an observational cross-sectional case-control analysis of several biochemical markers in the biological samples of e-cigarette users and non-smokers in Diyala Province, Iraq. Methods: Plasma and urine samples were collected, and various biochemical markers were assessed in both e-cigarette users and non-users using the ELISA technique. Results: Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-13 (IL-13), and the elastin degradation marker desmosine were significantly higher in e-cigarette users compared to non-smokers. In addition, a significant increase in plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was observed in e-cigarette users compared to non-users. Furthermore, a moderate increase in urinary malonaldehyde levels – an indicator of lipid peroxidation – was noted in e-cigarette users. Conclusion: This study highlights significant biochemical alterations in e-cigarette users compared to non-smokers. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-13) and desmosine suggest an inflammatory response and potential lung tissue degradation associated with vaping. Oxidative stress markers, such as malonaldehyde, did not show significant differences between the groups. These findings suggest that e-cigarette use may contribute to inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation, raising concerns about its long-term health effects. Further research with larger cohorts and longitudinal studies is essential to clarify the systemic impact of vaping.