A Comparison of the Levels of Salivary Biomarkers between Conventional Smokers and Electronic Cigarette Users (A Pilot Study)

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is known to alter host response and the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in the body. Electronic cigarettes were marketed to provide the same sensation of conventional smoking without detrimental health consequences; however, the safety of their use is an area where more research is needed. Utilizing saliva as a diagnostic medium has been rising, however, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of e-cigarettes on the salivary biomarker profile. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the salivary cytokines, associated with inflammation, and CRP profile in e-cigarette users, and compare that to cigarette smokers and controls in an attempt to assess the influence of the use of e-cigarettes on salivary biomarkers. Statistically significant elevated levels of IL- 1β accompanied by lower mean levels of IL-1RA in e-cigarette users were detected. TNF- α showed elevated values in e-cigarette users similar to conventional smokers.