Menthol, Inflammation, and Nicotine Transition Study

Effect of Menthol to Non-Menthol Cigarette Switching on Subclinical Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Health: Simulating a Menthol Cigarette Ban

This study will focus on examining the potential impact of menthol flavoring in cigarettes on biomarkers of systemic inflammation as a subclinical indicator of cardiovascular disease risk.

The goal of this study is to examine how switching from menthol (MC) to non-menthol (NMC) cigarette smoking may impact biomarkers of systemic inflammation, smoking behavior, and subjective responses related to smoking. MC smokers (N=68) will be recruited for a five-week study, with one-week of baseline of MC smoking (Phase 1), followed by four weeks of switching to study-provided, brand-matched NMCs (Phase 2). Biomarkers of systemic inflammation and tobacco exposure will be analyzed from blood samples before, during, and after switching for four weeks (baseline, week 1, week 3, and week 5). Ecological momentary assessment methods will also be gathered to measure patterns of smoking and smoking-related subjective responses (affect, craving).

Inclusion criteria

• Men and women between 21-85 years old
• Currently uses menthol cigarettes
• Daily smoking rate of ≥5 cigarettes/day for ≥1 year
• Currently own and regularly use an iOS/Android smartphone device able to download the LifeData application
• Able to read and communicate fluently in English

Exclusion criteria

• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Actively trying to quit smoking
• Current heavy alcohol use
• Frequent use of non-menthol cigarettes, other smoking products, or illicit substances
• History of severe medical/psychiatric condition or treatment