Evaluation of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2 (THS2.2). Part 5: microRNA expression from a 90-day rat inhalation study indicates that exposure to THS2.2 aerosol causes reduced effects on lung tissue compared with cigarette smoke
MicroRNA (miRNA) profile analysis complements the systems toxicology assessment. Lungs of rats exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) or THS2.2 aerosol were examined. Global miRNA downregulation was observed after 90-day CS exposure. Inflammation-related miR-146a/146b/182 were strongly regulated upon CS exposure. miRNAs from the DLK1-DIO3 domain were down/up-regulated upon CS/THS2.2 exposure.