Impact of switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes on inflammation and smoking behavior
Effect of Menthol to Non-Menthol Cigarette Switching on Subclinical Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Health: Simulating a Menthol Cigarette Ban
This study is testing how switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes affects inflammation and smoking habits in people who usually smoke menthols.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (North Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06232447 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines how switching from menthol cigarettes to non-menthol cigarettes affects biomarkers of systemic inflammation and smoking behavior. A total of 68 menthol cigarette smokers will participate in a five-week study, starting with a one-week baseline period of menthol smoking, followed by four weeks of smoking non-menthol cigarettes. Blood samples will be collected at various points to analyze inflammation and tobacco exposure, while participants will also report their smoking patterns and subjective responses using a smartphone application. The study aims to provide insights into the health implications of menthol cigarette use and the effects of switching to non-menthol options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 21-85 who currently smoke menthol cigarettes and have a daily smoking rate of at least 5 cigarettes for over a year.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, actively trying to quit smoking, or have a history of severe medical or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help inform smoking cessation strategies and public health policies regarding menthol cigarette use.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of menthol cigarettes, this specific approach of switching cigarette types to assess inflammation biomarkers is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
North Chicago, Illinois
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science — North Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nancy C Jao, PhD — Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- Study coordinator: Nancy C Jao, PhD
- Email: nancy.jao@rosalindfranklin.edu
- Phone: 847-578-8747
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.