Summary
Introduction:
This article examines the effects of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) flavorings on the developing lung. The study compares the toxicity and physiologic responses of fetal and neonatal pulmonary cells and tissue to e-cigarette flavorings. The research highlights the potential risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes during pregnancy and in the presence of newborns and infants.
Key Points:
* The study used four popular e-cigarette flavorings (menthol, strawberry, tobacco, and vanilla) and analyzed their chemical composition using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS).
* The researchers found that exposure to menthol and strawberry flavorings increased cell death in fetal, neonatal, and adult pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PaSMC).
* Immature cells were more susceptible to menthol toxicity, and calculated LD50s suggested increased susceptibility to flavored solutions in immature PaSMC as compared to adults.
* Bronchial rings (BR) exposed to nicotine-free, unflavored 50%/50% PG/VG and selected flavored solutions at 1:1000 dilution resulted in significant airway relaxation in neonatal BR, with menthol and tobacco flavorings causing greater bronchodilation in newborns as compared to adults.
* The 1:1000 dilution of strawberry, vanilla, and tobacco flavored solutions did not impact vascular constriction in neonatal or adult pulmonary arteries (Pa), but menthol flavoring resulted in significant relaxation of adult Pa.
* The study suggests that the fetal and neonatal lung may be at increased susceptibility to toxicity with exposure to flavored e-cigarette solutions and that physiologic responses to these common additives may also be altered in the immature lung.
* The research highlights the need for further evaluation of e-cigarette flavorings, particularly in the context of pregnancy and early life exposure.
Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with e-cigarette flavorings, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and newborns. The findings suggest that the immature lung may be more susceptible to toxicity and altered physiologic responses with exposure to these flavorings. Given the rapid growth in e-cigarette use and the limited understanding of their long-term health effects, further research is necessary to ensure the safety and public health implications of these products.
Citation
Berkelhamer SK, helman JM, Gugino SF, Leigh NJ, Lakshminrusimha S, Goniewicz ML. In Vitro Consequences of Electronic-Cigarette Flavoring Exposure on the Immature Lung. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2019;16(19). doi:10.3390/ijerph16193635
