Effects of Chronic Inhalation of Electronic Cigarette Vapor Containing Nicotine on Neurobehaviors and Pre/Postsynaptic Neuron Markers.

Introduction:
This article by alasmari et al. examines the effects of chronic inhalation of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor containing nicotine on neurobehaviors and pre/postsynaptic neuron markers in mice. The study aims to investigate the behavioral parameters and molecular alterations in the hippocampus, specifically of VGaT and VGLUT1. The researchers also studied the neuroinflammatory profile associated with the consumption of nicotine via e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study used C57BL/6J mice and exposed them to e-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine for four weeks.
* Behavioral studies, including novel object recognition, locomotion, and Y-maze tests, were performed to investigate the behavioral parameters.
* Protein studies were conducted to study the hippocampal expression of VGLUT1, VGaT, and PSD95 as well as brain cytokine markers.
* The study found that e-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine modulated recognition memory and motor behaviors.
* The researchers observed that vapor exposure increased VGLUT1 expression and decreased VGaT expression in the hippocampus.
* They also found that vapor-containing nicotine exposure altered certain brain cytokines such as IFNβ-1 and MCP-5.

Main Message:
The study provides evidence of an association between neurobehavioral changes and altered hippocampal VGLUT1 and VGaT expression in mice exposed to e-cigarette vapors containing nicotine. Such exposure was also associated with altered neurobehaviors, which might affect neurodegenerative diseases. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes and may have detrimental effects on cognitive function and neuroinflammation. Therefore, further research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on the brain and behavior.

alasmari F, alotibi FM, alqahtani F, et al. Effects of Chronic Inhalation of Electronic Cigarette Vapor Containing Nicotine on Neurobehaviors and Pre/Postsynaptic Neuron Markers. Toxics. 2022;10(6). doi:10.3390/toxics10060338