Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the cytotoxicity profile of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquid samples on primary human bronchial epithelial cells. The study compares the effects of e-cigarette aerosol to cigarette smoke using an air-liquid interface (aLI) exposure system and examines the impact of e-cigarette aerosol on oxidative stress.
Key Points:
* The study found no contaminants in all e-liquids.
* E-cigarette aerosol showed a significantly reduced cytotoxic effect compared to cigarette smoke.
* Mitochondria integrity was maintained with e-cigarette aerosol exposure.
* No production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected with e-cigarette aerosol.
* The analysis of nano and microplastics showed no plastic debris smaller than 10 μm in size in any of the analyzed samples.
* The analysis of 14 trace elements found that metallic elements considered systemic toxicants were found below the limit of detection in all the analyzed samples.
* The e-liquids showed a very low concentration of trace elements, confirming their safety with respect to the contaminants of products intended for human consumption.
Main Message:
The study supports the reduced toxicity potential of e-cigs compared to tobacco cigarettes in an in vitro model resembling real-life smoke exposure. The results suggest that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, with no contaminants or harmful levels of trace elements found in the e-liquids. The lack of micro- and nano-plastics and the significantly reduced cytotoxic effect of e-cigarette aerosol compared to cigarette smoke further highlights the benefits of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smokers.
Citation
Caruso M, Distefano a, Emma R, et al. In vitro cytoxicity profile of e-cigarette liquid samples on primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Drug testing and analysis. Published online april 17, 2022. doi:10.1002/dta.3275
