Impact of e-cigarettes as cancer risk: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes is one of the current public health problems on increasing alert, has been growing at an accelerating rate, and has become a public health emergency. Its importance is explained by the continuous growth and acceleration of oncological rates among all ages versus the absence of high-quality evidence, correlated to the use of nicotine derived products, being at their regular versions or the new ones. Available preclinical data indicate that activation of the sympathetic nervous system by nicotine inhaled from e-cigarettes may stimulate cancer development and growth by several mechanisms, which results can significantly reduce life's quality. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to clarify the connection between the use of electronic cigarettes by adults over the age of 18 and the development of malignant neoplastic diseases.Method: The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will be reported conforming to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Will include the following studies: case-control or cohort studies showing adults (18 years old age) using e-cigarettes. There will be no language or publication period restrictions. Articles published, but not peerreviewed, will not be included in the review. Data will be entered in the Review Manager software (RevMan5.2.3). For dichotomous outcomes, we extracted or calculated the OR and 95% CI for each study. In case of heterogeneity (I²>50%), the random-effects model will be used to combine the studies to calculate the OR and 95% CI.

The Tobacco Smoke Component, Acrolein, as a Major Culprit in Lung Diseases and Respiratory Cancers: Molecular Mechanisms of Acrolein Cytotoxic Activity

“…It is worth noting that the effects of long-term use of e-cigarettes on health are still not fully known and remain under constant discussion. Undoubtedly, however, electronic smoking devices pose a serious threat to global health and are one of the current public health problems; it is growing at an accelerating pace and has become a public health emergency [ 41 , 42 ]. E-cigarette manufacturers convince consumers that electric smoking devices pose a lower health risk by reducing carcinogenic and harmful substances, however, the latest research indicates otherwise [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ].…”

“…Undoubtedly, however, electronic smoking devices pose a serious threat to global health and are one of the current public health problems; it is growing at an accelerating pace and has become a public health emergency [ 41 , 42 ]. E-cigarette manufacturers convince consumers that electric smoking devices pose a lower health risk by reducing carcinogenic and harmful substances, however, the latest research indicates otherwise [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. Heating the products in electronic cigarettes produces condensed carcinogenic hydrocarbons and products toxic to the human body.…”

“…Heating the products in electronic cigarettes produces condensed carcinogenic hydrocarbons and products toxic to the human body. One example is the presence of nickel and ethylene oxide, substances linked to lung and sinus cancers, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and leukemia [ 42 ]. As indicated by Lorkiewicz et al [ 41 ], there are known studies on mouse models and humans where the harmful effects of e-cigarettes are indicated [ 41 ].…”

“…As indicated by Lorkiewicz et al [ 41 ], there are known studies on mouse models and humans where the harmful effects of e-cigarettes are indicated [ 41 ]. Exposure to e-cigarette smoke causes endothelial dysfunction, pulmonary and cardiovascular injury by raising heart rate and blood pressure, and even DNA mutations leading to cancer [ 42 ]. A valuable mini-review from Guo and Hecht [ 45 ] provides a good evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo studies on the harmful effects of e-cigarettes.…”