Health4 min(s) read
Published 11:58 02 Jun 2026 GMT
New research suggests that vaping may affect thousands of genes in the body, with certain vape flavors appearing to have a far greater impact than others.
Scientists found that those who regularly vape showed altered activity in 3,124 genes when compared with people who neither smoked nor vaped.
According to the study, published in Frontiers in Oncology, the type of vape flavor and device used appeared to play a larger role in these genetic changes than the frequency or intensity of vaping itself.
Researchers reported that while 28.8% of the changes were linked to how much or how often participants vaped, around two-thirds (66.6%) were associated with the flavors and devices they used.
Because e-cigarettes are still relatively new, researchers say it could take decades before the full health consequences become clear. However, changes in gene expression can provide early warning signs about potential future health risks.
Previous studies have already linked vaping to genetic changes associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses.
Study senior author Professor Ahmad Besaratinia said researchers wanted to understand exactly what was driving these biological changes.
"One major question remains: what is driving these changes? Is it the act of vaping itself - or is it the intensity and duration of vaping, the characteristics of the products used, or some combination of these?"
The research team at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine examined gene expression patterns among 83 participants, including vapers, smokers, and people who did not use either product.
Their analysis found that vape flavorings and device types accounted for most of the observed genetic differences.
Among vapers, those who used fruit-flavored products, multiple flavor combinations, or advanced refillable devices known as "mods" experienced the greatest changes in gene activity.
Prof Besaratinia said: "The implication is that each flavour has unique attributes that produce different biological effects."
He added: "This is something regulators should carefully consider when evaluating the health risks or potential benefits of each flavored e-cigarette product."
The study included 35 vapers, 24 smokers, and 24 non-users. Researchers collected cheek cell samples from each participant and used RNA sequencing technology to examine thousands of genes simultaneously.
The findings revealed significant differences depending on flavor choice. Sweet flavours were linked to changes in 2.9% of affected genes, while mint and menthol flavors were associated with 0.9%.
Fruit-flavored vapes showed a much stronger effect, accounting for changes in 31% of affected genes. The most substantial impact was seen among users who regularly switched between multiple flavors, which were linked to 64.3% of affected gene changes.
The study also found that higher-powered devices such as mods produced some of the strongest and most consistent changes in gene regulation.
According to Prof Besaratinia: "These product differences explained more of the variation in gene regulation than how much or how often vaped."
Researchers then used advanced bioinformatics analysis to investigate what diseases might be linked to the altered genes.
Cancer was associated with the largest number of gene expression changes among vapers, followed by endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological conditions.
The findings arrive as U.S. regulators continue reviewing policies surrounding flavored vaping products.
Prof Besaratinia noted: "Regulators have been tasked with verifying that the benefits of using e-cigarettes for adults outweigh the risks posed to youth."
However, he added: "But we show here that vaping flavored products is associated with disease-related molecular changes, regardless of the user's age."
The research team argues that regulators should evaluate vaping products on a case-by-case basis, paying closer attention to specific flavorings and device designs.
Many newer devices can deliver higher nicotine concentrations than earlier models and may contain additives intended to make vaping smoother and more appealing, some of which could carry their own health risks.
Researchers are now conducting follow-up studies to identify which chemicals found in vaping liquids are responsible for the gene expression changes.
Prof Besaratinia said the ultimate goal is to pinpoint potentially harmful ingredients and reduce their presence in vaping products.
"Once we identify these chemicals, policymakers could instruct manufacturers to either eliminate these chemicals or reduce their level in e-cigarette products to minimize potential harm."
