EPIGENETICS AND ENVIRONMENT

Genotoxic and epigenetic impact of electronic cigarette use
The genotoxic and epigenetic effect of conventional cigarette use is known. Taking into account all these scientific reports in recent years, campaigns have been started to stop smoking. One of the alternatives proposed for tobacco consumers is the replacement of this practice by the use of electronic devices on the grounds of its harmless effect on health. However, in recent years there are some reports in mice and humans that report possible genotoxic effects associated with the components of these devices, among which flavorings stand out, among others. Our research group is interested in evaluating the genotoxic and epigenetic effect of the use of electronic cigarettes.

ADRIANA ROJAS

Biochemist – MSc (Universidad de los Andes) – PhD (Universidad de Chile) – Professor at Instituto de Genética Humana – Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

ALEJANDRA CAÑAS

MD – Director of the Internal Medicine Department at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

OLGA MORENO NIÑO

Biologist of the National University of Colombia, with a Master`s degree in biology and a PhD in Sciences from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

STUDENTS

The genetic and epigenetic impact of conventional cigarette use has been demonstrated for many years. However, there is much ignorance regarding the practice of using electronic cigarettes. Our research group is interested in identifying alterations in the DNA methylation patterns of the AHRR gene in users of electronic cigarettes. In the same way, we will evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of the use of these devices in peripheral blood samples.

 

Camila Bernal Forigua

Bacteriologist - Master's Degree in Biological Sciences. Thesis title; Identification of epigenetic alterations in the AHRR gene and evaluation of micronuclei as evidence of genotoxicity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (SEAN) in young University students of Colombia.

Carlos Camero

Bacteriologist - Master’s degree student in Biological Sciences. Carlos works in Epigenetic and Enviroment. thesis title: Transcriptomic Analysis of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Users.

María José Pinzón

Bacteriologist Student. María José works in Epigenetic and Enviroment. Thesis title; Identification of epigenetic alterations in the line 1 gene in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System users.

Nicolás Niederbacher

MD Student. Nicolás works in Epigenetic and Enviroment. Jóven Investigador Minciencias. Title: Identification of epigenetic alterations in the AHRR gene and evaluation of micronuclei as evidence of genotoxicity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (SEAN) in young University students of Colombia.