E-liquid alters oral epithelial cell function to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasiveness in preclinical oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health, specifically focusing on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The study investigates the effects of e-cigarettes on cell morphology, survival, migration, invasion, and gene expression, using a panel of normal and tumor cell lines. The research aims to understand the potential hazard risk of e-cigarettes in promoting oral cancer development, progression, and metastasis.

Key Points:

* The study utilized a panel of normal and tumor cell lines, treating them with varying doses of e-liquid for different durations.
* E-cigarettes were found to alter cell morphology, reduce cell viability, and enhance cell migration and invasion in OSCC cells.
* The treatment with e-liquid resulted in increased anchorage-independent cell growth and promoted tumor migration and invasion.
* E-cigarettes induced EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) by modulating the expression of proteins involved in tumor cell plasticity, attachment, migration, and signaling.
* E-cigarettes led to a significant down-expression of E-cadherin and upregulation of B-catenin and vimentin gene expression in cells exposed to 0.1% e-liquid.
* The enhanced invasive migratory activity associated with the loss of epithelial markers and the acquisition of mesenchymal markers suggests that epithelial cells are undergoing an aggressive phenotype.
* The study highlights the potential risks of e-cigarettes in promoting oral cancer progression and metastasis.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the potential hazards associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in relation to oral health. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes can promote tumor progression and metastasis by inducing EMT, which enhances the invasive abilities of OSCC cells. Clinicians should exercise caution when advising patients about the use of e-cigarettes, as more research is needed to fully understand their long-term health impacts.

de Lima JM, Macedo CCS, Barbosa GV, et al. E-liquid alters oral epithelial cell function to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasiveness in preclinical oral squamous cell carcinoma. Scientific reports. 2023;13(1):3330. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30016-0