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Menthol Smokers: Metabolomic Profiling and Smoking Behavior.
Ping-Ching Hsu1,2, Renny S Lan1, Theodore M Brasky1
1Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Summary
Menthol-glucuronide (MG) in blood is a new biomarker for menthol cigarette smoking behavior. This metabolite correlates with smoking intensity and distinguishes menthol from non-menthol smokers, offering insights into menthol
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers of Exposure
- Metabolomics
- Tobacco Harm Reduction
Background:
- Menthol cigarette use is under FDA regulatory consideration.
- The impact of menthol on smoking behavior and health risks remains unclear.
- Menthol-glucuronide (MG) was previously identified as a key smoking-related metabolite.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MG levels and smoking behavior.
- To explore MG's utility in differentiating menthol vs. non-menthol smokers.
- To analyze the broader metabolomic profile associated with MG.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 105 smokers.
- Measured blood nicotine, MG, and exhaled CO boosts.
- Utilized correlation, ANCOVA, and PLS-DA for data analysis.
Main Results:
- MG boost positively correlated with smoking intensity measures (CO boost, puff volume, duration).
- MG was the top metabolite distinguishing menthol from non-menthol smokers.
- 42 metabolites correlated with MG boost, linked to cellular functions.
Conclusions:
- Plasma MG boost serves as a novel biomarker for menthol smoking behavior.
- MG offers insights beyond self-reported menthol use.
- This biomarker aids in understanding menthol cigarette harm.
