Abstract
Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased substantially in recent years. While e-cigarettes have been proposed as a potentially effective smoking cessation tool, dualuse in smokers is common and e-cigarettes are widely used by non-smokers, including youth and young-adult non-smokers. Nicotine, the primary addictive component in cigarettes, is present at varying levels in many e-liquids. E-cigarettes may lead to initiation of nicotine use in adult and youth non-smokers, re-initiation of nicotine dependence in ex-smokers or increased severity of nicotine dependence in dual-users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. As such, there are important clinical and policy implications to understanding factors impacting nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes. However, the broad and rapidly changing range of e-liquid constituents and e-cigarette hardware which could impact nicotine exposure presents a challenge. Recent changes in regulatory oversight of e-cigarettes underscore the importance of synthesizing current knowledge on common factors which may impact nicotine exposure.
Methods: This review focuses on factors which may impact nicotine exposure by changing e-cigarette use behavior, puff topography, altering the nicotine yield (amount of nicotine exiting the e-cigarette mouth piece including nicotine exhaled as vapor) or more directly by altering nicotine absorption and bioavailability.
Results: Topics reviewed include e-liquid components or characteristics including flavor additives (e.g., menthol), base e-liquid ingredients (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin), components commonly used to dissolve flavorants (e.g., ethanol), and resulting properties of the e-liquid (e.g., pH), e-cigarette device characteristics (e.g., wattage, temperature, model) and user behavior (e.g., puff topography) which may impact nicotine exposure.
Conclusion: E-liquid characteristics and components, e-cigarette hardware and settings, and user behavior can all contribute substantially to nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes.
Keywords: E-cigarette, electronic cigarette, nicotine, vaping, flavor, e-liquid.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Frontiers
It offers a comprehensive exploration of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective pathways that play central roles in a range of neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This issue invites research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving neuroinflammation, such as the roles of ...read more
Advances in paediatric and adult brain cancers: emerging targets and treatments
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors affecting children and adolescents, with up to 5,000 children diagnosed per year. Pediatric brain tumors, because of their location, are often untreatable and their clinical management can cause significant long-term impairment to intellectual and neurological function with epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Other than ...read more
Emotion (Dys)regulation: An integration of Pharmacological, Neurobiological, and Psychological Frameworks
Emotion regulation is a critical aspect of mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. To fully understand and effectively address emotion regulation, an integrative approach that considers pharmacological, neurobiological, and psychological frameworks is essential. Pharmacological interventions, such as medications targeting neurotransmitter imbalances, can play a significant role in managing emotional dysregulation. Understanding ...read more
Intercellular Communications in Cerebral Ischemia
Cerebral ischemia, a condition in which there is inadequate blood supply to the brain, ranks as one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally. Despite its prevalence and severity, efficacious treatment options for this debilitating disorder remain limited. Recent scientific explorations have delved deeply into the pathological mechanisms ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research-Dementia
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Interventional Pain Surgery
Endoscopy and Fetoscopy Techniques for the Brain and Neuroaxis
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Regenerative Medicine & Peripheral Nerve Endoscopy
Advances in Diagnostics and Immunotherapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
100
12
1
1