4 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to better understand how people break down a tobacco specific cancer-causing toxin called N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) that is present in smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Some people are able to get rid of this chemical as a harmless agent better than others. Through this research, the investigators hope to develop a better understanding of how people process potentially harmful chemicals and identify tobacco users who are in danger of developing cancer. Participants will complete questionnaires regarding their health and smoking history. The investigators will take blood samples, saliva samples, cheek cells and urine to measure exposure to toxins and harmful chemicals present in smokeless tobacco. Participants will be given smokeless tobacco study product and be asked to use only it for the entire time they are in the study. The study product contains deuterated NNN. Deuterated NNN is just like the NNN found in commercially available smokeless tobacco products, but is labeled with deuterium or heavy hydrogen atoms. Deuterium is non-toxic and safe. Using smokeless tobacco containing deuterium allows us to follow NNN as it is broken down in the body.
The purpose of this research study is to better understand how people respond to cancer-causing chemicals in cigarette smoke. Some people are able to get rid of these chemicals as harmless agents while others suffer damage to their cells that can ultimately result in cancer. We hope to develop a better understanding of how we can identify the people who are in danger of getting cancer. Participants will complete questionnaires regarding their health and smoking history. We will take blood samples to look at genes which determine how the body breaks down some tobacco-related toxins. Participants will be given a small amount of liquid to drink, containing alcohol, water, and a compound called deuterated phenanthrene (DP), which is found in cigarette smoke and in the environment. Phenanthrene is non-toxic and does not cause cancer, but this compound is broken down by the body in the same way as cancer-causing agents. We will follow the pathway of this compound as it is broken down in the body.
The overall aim of the current study is to determine if flavorings contribute to the initiation and maintenance of waterpipe (WP) smoking and also influence how a WP is smoked, which has implications for both risk of dependence but also smokers' level of exposure to tobacco-related toxicants. A total of 94 current WP smokers (47 low dependent, 47 high dependent) will be recruited. Based on our team's previous studies we conservatively assume a 20% attrition rate; thus, we will need to recruit 94 participants to have 76 complete all four sessions. Consistent with other laboratory studies of waterpipe smoking, participants who meet the following eligibility criteria will be asked to take part in the study.
This study aims to better understand how the availability of electronic nicotine delivery system (aka electronic cigarettes) flavors (e.g., menthol, tobacco) impacts tobacco use behaviors, toxicant exposure, and abuse liability among African American menthol smokers.