Comparative effects between electronic and cigarette smoke in human keratinocytes and epithelial lung cells

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study that compares the effects of electronic cigarette (e-CIG) vapor and tobacco cigarette smoke on human keratinocytes and epithelial lung cells. The study aims to establish the safety or toxicity of e-CIG vapor and provide legislators, manufacturers, and smokers with essential scientific information.

Key Points:

* The study used skin (haCaT) and lung (a549) cells, the main targets of cigarette smoke, and exposed them to e-CIG vapor and cigarette smoke in a smoke chamber in vitro.
* The cytotoxic effect of the exposure was analyzed in both cell types by ultrastructural morphology, Trypan Blue exclusion test, and LDh assay.
* The results showed that the cytotoxic components of e-CIG were restrained to the flavoring compound and, to a lesser extent, to nicotine.
* The humectants alone exhibited no cytotoxicity but induced the release of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators, mainly in keratinocytes.
* The study concludes that e-CIG vapor exposure is not completely harmless, although far less toxic than CS.
* Besides the deleterious effect of flavor and nicotine, even the humectants alone are able to evocate some adverse cellular events, such as enhanced cytokines release.
* The study hopes to promote the development of truly innocuous e-CIGs to help people quit smoking.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for further research to establish the safety or toxicity of e-CIG vapor, as current information is sparse and inconsistent. While e-CIGs may be less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, they are not completely harmless, and the humectants alone can induce the release of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators. The study emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and reliable scientific information to legislators, manufacturers, and smokers to make informed decisions about the use of e-CIGs. It is crucial to promote the development of truly innocuous e-CIGs to help people quit smoking and minimize potential health risks.

Cervellati, F., X.M. Muresan, C. Sticozzi, R. Gambari, G. Montagner, h.J. Forman, C. Torricelli, E. Maioli, and G. Valacchi. “Comparative Effects between Electronic and Cigarette Smoke in human Keratinocytes and Epithelial Lung Cells.” Toxicology in Vitro 28, no. 5 (august 2014): 999–1005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2014.04.012.