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Translational Behavioral Medicine Aug 2023Banning flavors in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products may decrease their use. To examine how current users of flavored e-cigarettes might react to a ban on flavored...
Banning flavors in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products may decrease their use. To examine how current users of flavored e-cigarettes might react to a ban on flavored e-cigarettes when: (i) menthol flavor is banned together with other flavors, or (ii) this ban on e-cigarettes is combined with a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. A national cross-sectional survey of 2,347 current users of flavored e-cigarettes was conducted in May 2022. For each hypothetical ban scenario, respondents reported if they would quit all tobacco product use, continue to use e-cigarettes with no flavor or flavors that were not banned, or switch to alternative tobacco products. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between responses and ban scenarios, adjusting for tobacco use and demographic variables. If e-cigarettes with any flavors except menthol and tobacco were banned, the majority of current e-cigarette users would keep using e-cigarettes with no flavor or tobacco and menthol flavor. When menthol flavor was added to a ban, a greater proportion of respondents would quit all tobacco use; however, more would also switch to cigarettes or cigars. When menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars were added to a ban, those who used menthol flavor only would be less likely to switch to cigarettes and cigars. Among current e-cigarette users, the harm reduction (i.e., from quitting all use) from a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, particularly if menthol is also banned, may be outweighed by the harm increases (i.e., switching to cigarettes or cigars, or other products that are more harmful than using e-cigarettes). A concurrent ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars would secure more certain net reductions to public health harms from e-cigarette use and smoking.
Topics: Humans; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Menthol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Flavoring Agents; Tobacco Products; Nicotiana
PubMed: 36694931
DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibac109 -
Tobacco Control May 2022Multiple tobacco product (MTP) use is common among young adults. Most MTP users are combustible cigarette smokers that use one or more other tobacco products. This study...
BACKGROUND
Multiple tobacco product (MTP) use is common among young adults. Most MTP users are combustible cigarette smokers that use one or more other tobacco products. This study aims to explore menthol as a risk factor for MTP use among a cohort of young adult cigarette smokers.
METHODS
Participants were 18-29 years cigarette smokers at 24 Texas colleges in a 6-wave study. Participants (n=4700 observations) were classified as: single product users (ie, exclusive cigarette smoking); dual product users and poly product users. A multilevel, ordered logistic regression model was used to examine the association between menthol cigarette smoking and MTP use. Two longitudinal, multilevel, multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between menthol cigarette smoking and number of tobacco products used.
RESULTS
Overall, 40.7% of the sample were single product users, 33.7% were dual product users and 25.6% were poly product users. Menthol was associated with 1.28 greater odds of MTP use. Further, menthol was associated with 1.19 greater risk of dual and 1.40 greater risk of poly product use, relative to single product use. Lastly, menthol cigarette smoking was associated with 1.18 greater risk of poly product use, relative to dual product use.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a gradient relationship between menthol cigarette smoking and number of tobacco products used among young adult cigarette smokers. Findings provide for greater regulatory and programmatic efforts to reduce the use of menthol cigarettes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Menthol; Smokers; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products; Tobacco Use; Tobacco Use Disorder; Young Adult
PubMed: 33452208
DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055922 -
Addictive Behaviors Jun 2022Sexual minority females have higher rates of cigarette smoking than heterosexual females. Additionally, menthol cigarette use disproportionately impacts minority...
Differences between adult sexual minority females and heterosexual females on menthol smoking and other smoking behaviors: Findings from Wave 4 (2016-2018) of the population assessment of tobacco and health study.
BACKGROUND
Sexual minority females have higher rates of cigarette smoking than heterosexual females. Additionally, menthol cigarette use disproportionately impacts minority smokers, including sexual minority individuals. This study examined differences between sexual minority and heterosexual females on several smoking variables, including initiation with a menthol cigarette, and past 30-day cigarette and menthol cigarette use.
METHODS
Participants were female ever smokers (N = 11,576; n = 1,474, 12.7% sexual minority) who completed Wave 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Survey. Participants reported on the age they began smoking regularly (≤18 years old, 18-24, >25), whether they initiated with a menthol cigarette, past 30-day cigarette smoking and menthol cigarette use, cigarettes smoked per day (≤10, 11-20, >20), cigarette dependence (smoke ≤ 5 min of waking or > 5 min of waking), and whether they were a current (someday/every day) or former (no past year/current use) established smoker (≥100 lifetime cigarettes), or an experimental smoker (<100 lifetime cigarettes). Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses examined differences between sexual minority females and heterosexual females on smoking variables.
RESULTS
Sexual minority female smokers began smoking regularly at an earlier age and smoked fewer cigarettes per day than heterosexual females. Sexual minority females were more likely to initiate smoking with a menthol cigarette (aOR = 1.27), report past 30-day smoking (aOR = 1.36) and menthol cigarette use (aOR = 1.24) compared to heterosexual females. There were no differences on cigarette dependence.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the high rates of initiation and current menthol smoking, policies to regulate menthol may decrease smoking disparities for sexual minority females.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cigarette Smoking; Female; Heterosexuality; Humans; Menthol; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 35139462
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107265 -
Journal of Leukocyte Biology Sep 2022Understanding the innate immune system and how aberrant activation or impaired inhibition leads to the development of hyperinflammatory conditions, including...
Understanding the innate immune system and how aberrant activation or impaired inhibition leads to the development of hyperinflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, is crucial for patient management and treatment. An emerging area of interest surrounding dysregulated inflammation focuses on membrane bound transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels. These channels are permeable to calcium and other cations involved in the balance of leukocyte membrane potential and function, as well as afferent neuron signaling within the myenteric plexus of the GI tract, bladder, and skin. A particular channel, TRPM8, is an important cell surface marker for prostate cancer and participates in the function of cold sensing neurons. Specifically, this ion-gated receptor is shown to be activated by agonists such as menthol and eucalyptus, which aid in the soothing, cooling effects of these agents. Furthermore, the TRPM8 channel is also identified on the surface of resident tissue Mϕs and is also linked to the protective role and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) by sensory neurons.
Topics: Calcium Signaling; Cold Temperature; Humans; Menthol; Monocytes; TRPM Cation Channels
PubMed: 35570407
DOI: 10.1002/JLB.3CE0222-099R -
Preventive Medicine Jan 2022Using nationally representative longitudinal data from Wave 1 to Wave 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study in the United States, we examined...
Using nationally representative longitudinal data from Wave 1 to Wave 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study in the United States, we examined whether the association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation was modified by race/ethnicity and e-cigarette use. Multivariable discrete-time survival models were fit to an unbalanced person-period data set (person n = 7423, risk period n = 18,897) for adult respondents (ages 25+) who were current established cigarette smokers at baseline. We found that adults who smoke menthol cigarettes had lower odds of smoking cessation, but the effect was modified by race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic (NH) Black menthol smokers had lower odds of quitting smoking than NH White or Hispanic menthol smokers. We also found that e-cigarette use was associated with higher odds of smoking cessation among both menthol and non-menthol smokers, but the association was stronger among menthol smokers. Our results suggest that a menthol smoking ban may have a favorable impact on smoking cessation for NH Black adults. In addition, our results also suggest that a menthol smoking ban may be more effective if menthol smokers have access to e-cigarettes as a way to quit cigarette use.
Topics: Adult; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Menthol; Smokers; Smoking Cessation; Tobacco Products; United States; Vaping
PubMed: 34793851
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106882 -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Jul 2022Menthol cigarette use contributes to disproportionate tobacco-related health disparities amongst minoritized race/ethnic groups. E-cigarettes are available in flavors...
Examining the potential role of e-cigarettes to reduce health disparities associated with menthol cigarette use: Characterizing e-cigarette use, flavors, and reasons for use among US adults smoking menthol cigarettes.
INTRODUCTION
Menthol cigarette use contributes to disproportionate tobacco-related health disparities amongst minoritized race/ethnic groups. E-cigarettes are available in flavors such as menthol and may be a less harmful substitute among adults who smoke. Yet little is known about e-cigarette flavor preference and reasons for use by race/ethnicity among adults who smoke menthol cigarettes.
METHODS
Nationally representative PATH wave 4 adult data (Dec. 2016-Jan. 2018) were used to examine how menthol cigarette status and race/ethnicity were associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use, flavors used, and reasons for use with adjusted logistic regression models.
RESULTS
Menthol (vs. non-menthol) cigarette use was associated with higher odds of e-cigarette use (AOR=1.33, 95%CI=1.16-1.52). However, non-Hispanic (NH) Black and Hispanic individuals (vs. NH White) had lower odds of e-cigarette use (p's ≤ 0.004). In terms of flavor used, adults smoking menthol cigarettes and NH Black and Hispanic individuals had greater odds of using menthol/mint-flavored e-cigarettes (p's ≤ 0.02), and older adults (vs. 18-24-year-olds) had lower odds of using sweet-flavored e-cigarettes (p's < 0.0001). Regarding reasons for use, adults smoking menthol cigarettes had higher odds of reporting using e-cigarettes due to liking flavors (AOR=1.63, 95%CI=1.30-2.04), while NH Black adults had lower odds of liking flavors (AOR=0.64, 95%CI=0.43-0.96), and Hispanic adults had lower odds of using e-cigarettes to cut down on cigarette smoking (AOR=0.59, 95%CI=0.42-0.83).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest menthol flavored e-cigarettes may be important for adults who smoke menthol cigarettes, although racial disparities in current e-cigarette use and reasons for use may exacerbate tobacco-related health disparities.
Topics: Aged; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Flavoring Agents; Humans; Menthol; Nicotiana; Tobacco Products; Vaping
PubMed: 35594642
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109475 -
Tobacco Control Jul 2022To evaluate the impact of menthol cigarette bans in seven Canadian provinces between 2016 and 2018.
Evaluating the impact of menthol cigarette bans on cessation and smoking behaviours in Canada: longitudinal findings from the Canadian arm of the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of menthol cigarette bans in seven Canadian provinces between 2016 and 2018.
METHODS
Longitudinal data from the Canadian arm of the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. 1098 non-menthol and 138 menthol smokers were surveyed pre-menthol and post-menthol cigarette bans. Multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between pre-post ban changes in smoking behaviour, including differences between menthol and non-menthol smokers in quit attempts and quitting.
RESULTS
At follow-up, 59.1% of pre-ban menthol smokers switched to non-menthol cigarettes; 21.5% quit smoking and 19.5% still smoked menthols, primarily purchased from First Nations reserves. Menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to make a quit attempt (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.61, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.51), and to remain quit (aOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.01). Menthol smokers did not differ significantly from non-menthol smokers in quit success (aOR=1.72, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.01); however, daily menthol smokers were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to quit (aOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.24), and daily menthol smokers who quit before the ban were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to remain quit (aOR=2.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Although menthol smokers were most likely to switch to non-menthol cigarettes, the menthol ban was also significantly associated with higher rates of quit attempts and quit success among menthol smokers compared with non-menthol smokers, and may have helped to prevent relapse among menthol smokers who had quit smoking before the ban. Results confirm and extend evaluation of Ontario's menthol ban across provinces covering 83% of the Canadian population.
Topics: Canada; Humans; Menthol; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Tobacco Products; Vaping
PubMed: 33820856
DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056259 -
Phytochemistry Nov 2022Plant monoterpenes are challenging compounds, since they often act as solvents, and thus have both phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties. In this study an approach is...
Plant monoterpenes are challenging compounds, since they often act as solvents, and thus have both phytotoxic and antimicrobial properties. In this study an approach is developed to identify and characterize enzymes that can detoxify monoterpenoids, and thus would protect both plants and microbial production systems from these compounds. Plants respond to the presence of monoterpenes by expressing glycosyltransferases (UGTs), which conjugate the monoterpenoids into glycosides. By identifying these enzymes in a transcriptomics approach using Mentha × piperita, a family of UGTs was identified which is active on cyclic monoterpenoids such as menthol, and on acyclic monoterpenoids such as geranic acid. Other members of this family, from tomato, were also shown to be active on these monoterpenoids. In vitro and in vivo activity of different UGTs were tested with different substrates. We found that some glycosyltransferases significantly affect the toxicity of selected monoterpenoids in Escherichia coli, suggesting that glycosyltransferases can protect cells from monoterpenoid toxicity.
Topics: Glycosides; Glycosyltransferases; Mentha piperita; Menthol; Monoterpenes; Solvents
PubMed: 36037906
DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113371 -
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Feb 2022Studies have assessed switching away from cigarettes among adult smokers who use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), but there is little data assessing...
OBJECTIVES
Studies have assessed switching away from cigarettes among adult smokers who use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), but there is little data assessing differences in likelihood of switching or ENDS use characteristics by menthol smoking.
METHODS
Adult (age ≥ 21) established smokers who purchased a JUUL Starter Kit (N = 15,036) completed baseline and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month assessments. Switching (no past-30-day cigarette smoking) and flavor use were assessed at each follow-up. Repeated-measure logistic regression models evaluated association of menthol smoking and switching across 1 year.
RESULTS
Across the 6 follow-ups, more menthol smokers primarily used Menthol/Mint-flavored JUULpods (53.8%) than nonmenthol smokers (22.9%). Only 6.4% of menthol smokers primarily used Tobacco flavors (vs. 25.9% of nonmenthol smokers). Across all follow-ups menthol smokers (41.2% of sample) were more likely to switch than nonmenthol smokers (42.6% vs. 38.8%: OR [95% CI] = 1.17 [1.11, 1.23]); this association remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic, smoking and JUUL use covariates (aOR [95% CI] = 1.13 [1.05, 1.21]). Nonmenthol smokers, but not menthol smokers, were significantly more likely to switch when primarily using Menthol/Mint-flavored (vs. Tobacco-flavored) JUULpods (aOR [95% CI] = 1.14 [1.04, 1.25]). Differences in baseline smoking characteristics between menthol and nonmenthol smokers were small in magnitude.
CONCLUSIONS
Adult menthol (vs. nonmenthol) smokers using JUUL were more likely to switch. More than twice as many menthol (vs. nonmenthol) smokers primarily used Menthol/Mint-flavor JUULpods; few menthol smokers used tobacco flavors. Given these pronounced differences in flavor preferences, availability of ENDS in menthol flavors may be particularly important for menthol smokers, but may also benefit some nonmenthol smokers.
Topics: Adult; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Menthol; Smokers; Smoking Cessation; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 34974269
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109238 -
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs Mar 2023Rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) remain high despite several federal policy changes intended to limit their availability and appeal....
OBJECTIVE
Rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) remain high despite several federal policy changes intended to limit their availability and appeal. The current study examined how restricting flavors would affect current AYA users' intentions to discontinue vaping, as a function of their current flavor preference.
METHOD
In a national cross-sectional survey, AYA e-cigarette users ( = 1,414) completed measures of e-cigarette use, device type, e-liquid flavor (tobacco, menthol, cool mint, fruit ice, fruit/sweet), and intent to discontinue e-cigarette use in response to hypothetical federal product standards (i.e., tobacco and menthol or tobacco-only e-liquid). Logistic regression was used to model the association of preferred flavor with odds of discontinuing e-cigarette use (vs. continuing), for menthol and tobacco hypothetical product standards.
RESULTS
Overall, 38.8% of the sample reported intent to discontinue using their e-cigarette if tobacco and menthol-flavored e-liquid were the only options available, whereas 70.8% would discontinue under a tobacco-only product standard. AYAs preferring fruit/sweet flavor were most sensitive to either restricted scenario, with odds of discontinuing use ranging from adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.22 to aOR = 2.38 under a tobacco and menthol product standard and aOR = 1.33 to aOR = 2.59 under a tobacco-only product standard, compared with other flavor preferences. In addition, AYAs using cooling flavors (e.g., fruit ice) reported higher odds of discontinuing use under a tobacco-only product standard, compared with menthol flavor users, indicating an important distinction between these groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate potential for flavor restrictions to reduce use of e-cigarettes among AYAs and suggest that a tobacco flavor product standard may result in the greatest discontinuation of use.
Topics: Humans; Young Adult; Adolescent; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ice; Menthol; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 36971721
DOI: 10.15288/jsad.21-00466