E-cigarettes increase Candida albicans growth and modulate its interaction with gingival epithelial cells.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a scientific study that investigates the impact of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol on human oral mucosa tissue structure and proinflammatory cytokine response. The study uses an engineered human gingival mucosa model consisting of stratified epithelium and fibroblast-populated connective tissue. The e-cigarette aerosol was generated using a specific device and e-liquid with and without nicotine. The aerosol was then used to expose the engineered tissue for varying durations to analyze the tissue structure and proinflammatory cytokine response.

Key Points:

* The study used an engineered human gingival mucosa model consisting of stratified epithelium and fibroblast-populated connective tissue.
* The e-cigarette aerosol was generated using a specific device and e-liquid with and without nicotine.
* The aerosol was used to expose the engineered tissue for varying durations.
* The study found that e-cigarette aerosol exposure decreased tissue structure integrity, reduced laminin and type IV collagen production, and increased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.
* The effects of e-cigarette aerosol exposure were less severe than those of traditional cigarette smoke but still significant.
* The study also found that e-cigarette aerosol exposure decreased the number of proliferative epithelial cells, as ascertained by the low number of Ki-67+ cells.
* The study concludes that e-cigarette aerosol exposure induces critical damage to the engineered human gingival mucosa.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential adverse effects of e-cigarette aerosol exposure on human oral mucosa tissue structure and proinflammatory cytokine response. although the effects of e-cigarette aerosol exposure were less severe than those of traditional cigarette smoke, they still induced significant damage to the engineered human gingival mucosa. Therefore, e-cigarette users and oral health professionals should be aware of the potential adverse effects of e-cigarettes.

alanazi h, Semlali a, Chmielewski W, Rouabhia M. E-cigarettes increase Candida albicans growth and modulate its interaction with gingival epithelial cells. Int J Environ Res Public health. 2019;16:294. doi:10.3390/ijerph16020294