A new study reports that vaping is associated with widespread changes in gene expression. The research finds that vaping alters the activity of thousands of genes, including 3,124 genes in the study results cited by outlets. The changes are described as involving biological pathways connected to diseases such as cancer, heart and lung conditions, according to multiple reports.
Some coverage also highlights that the flavour or device “mods” used with vaping may influence the extent of genetic changes. One outlet reports that fruit flavours and “mods” are among the worst offenders, while noting the study’s focus on comparisons with traditional cigarettes. Another report states that vaping has effects comparable to smoking in terms of the genetic activity changes observed, and that the findings could relate to higher risks for several chronic diseases.
Across the articles, the central message is that vaping can affect genetic activity in ways that are relevant to disease biology, although the reports emphasize scientists’ warnings based on the study rather than providing direct proof of long-term clinical outcomes.
