Similar DNA changes found in cells of both smokers and e-cigarette users.

A new study led by researchers at UCL and the University of Innsbruck has found that e-cigarette users with a limited smoking history experience similar DNA changes to specific cheek cells as smokers. The study analyzed the epigenetic effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes on DNA methylation in over 3,500 samples. While the study does not show that e-cigarettes cause cancer, it highlights the importance of long-term studies to assess the potential harmful effects of e-cigarettes. The researchers hope that further investigation into epigenetic changes related to smoking in cheek swabs could help identify individuals at highest risk of developing cancer and assess the long-term health risks of e-cigarettes. [Extracted from the article]