Toxicological comparison of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol using a 3D in vitro human respiratory model

Introduction:
This article compares the toxicological effects of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol using a 3D in vitro human respiratory model. The study exposes tissues to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette aerosol generated from nicotine-containing blu PLUS + e-cigarettes, with or without blueberry flavoring. The goal is to evaluate the biological effects of e-cigarettes and their flavorings compared to conventional cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study used a 3D in vitro human respiratory tissue model (Epiairway) to compare the effects of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol.
* Tissues were exposed to cigarette smoke or e-cigarette aerosol generated using a VITROCELL VC1 smoking/vaping robot.
* Following exposure to cigarette smoke, there was a significant decrease in tissue viability, barrier function, and an increase in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) and a marker of DNa damage (γ-h2aX).
* Tissues exposed to e-cigarette aerosol with or without blueberry flavoring did not differ from air-exposed tissues in any of the measured endpoints.
* The study suggests that e-cigarette products have the potential for reduced health risks compared to conventional cigarettes.
* Organotypic tissue models are useful for assessing the biological impact of e-cigarettes and their flavorings.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates that e-cigarette products, including those with flavorings, have the potential for reduced health risks compared to conventional cigarettes. The use of organotypic tissue models, which better recapitulate the in vivo microenvironment than submerged cultures, provides a valuable platform for investigating the effects of e-cigarettes and their flavorings on a variety of biologically-relevant endpoints. The results suggest that e-cigarette aerosol, with or without blueberry flavoring, may be less harmful to the respiratory epithelium than conventional cigarette smoke.

Czekala, Lukasz, Liam Simms, Matthew Stevenson, Nicole Tschierske, anna G. Maione, and Tanvir Walele. “Toxicological Comparison of Cigarette Smoke and E-Cigarette aerosol Using a 3D in Vitro human Respiratory Model.” Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 103 (april 2019): 314–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.01.036.