Introduction:
This text is a scientific report on a study investigating the toxicological effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) in a rat model. The study found that e-cigs have a boosting effect on phase-I carcinogen-bioactivating enzymes and increase oxygen free radical production and DNa oxidation, indicating a potential cancer risk. additionally, e-cigs were found to damage DNa at both chromosomal and gene levels, leading to point mutations in urine.
Key Points:
* The study used a rat model to investigate the toxicological effects of e-cigarettes.
* E-cigs were found to increase the activity of phase-I carcinogen-bioactivating enzymes, including activators of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Pahs), and to increase oxygen free radical production and DNa oxidation.
* E-cigs were also found to damage DNa at both chromosomal and gene levels, leading to point mutations in urine.
* The study used a variety of methods to assess the toxicological effects of e-cigs, including enzymatic assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques, and mutagenicity assays.
* The study found that e-cigs have a powerful booster effect on CYP enzymes, which can predispose a subject to an enhanced cancer risk from the widely bioactivated e-cig vapour procarcinogens associated with an increased risk of lung cancer with CYP induction and/or CYP polymorphisms.
* The study also found that e-cig vapour induced the development of oxidative stress in the lung and that the CYP induction and free radicals present in the aerosol contributed to the higher levels of ROS detected in exposed rats.
* The study found that e-cig vapour exposure markedly affected the overall lipid composition of rat plasma, with significant increases in esterified cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
* The study also found significant variations in the fatty acid composition of plasma, with an increase in the sum of C18:1-trans isomers and a decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFa) and PUFa n-6 series.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that e-cigarettes can have toxicological effects, including damaging DNa and increasing the risk of cancer. The study used a rat model, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. however, the findings suggest that e-cigarettes should be subject to stricter regulations and that users should be made aware of the potential risks associated with their use. It is crucial for regulatory agencies to consider the potential risks associated with e-cigarettes and take appropriate actions to protect public health.
Citation
Canistro, Donatella, Fabio Vivarelli, Silvia Cirillo, Clara Babot Marquillas, annamaria Buschini, Mirca Lazzaretti, Laura Marchi, et al. “E-Cigarettes Induce Toxicological Effects That Can Raise the Cancer Risk.” Scientific Reports 7, no. 1 (May 17, 2017): 2028. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-02317-8.
