The Impact of “Vaping” Electronic Cigarettes on Spine health.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use on spinal health. The review aims to identify harmful factors related to e-cigarette use that may affect intervertebral disc (IVD) health, bone health, and spinal fusion. The text also discusses the molecular toxicology of vaping and the inflammatory response triggered by e-cigarette exposure.

Key Points:

* E-cigarette vapor contains metals associated with human toxicity, such as tin, silver, iron, nickel, aluminum, and silicate.
* E-cigarette toxicity is largely affected by the flavoring of the e-liquid, with e-liquids having large variations in toxicity depending primarily on flavoring additives.
* E-cigarette exposure triggers an inflammatory response that results in cellular damage to the airways and downstream organ pathologies such as renal fibrosis.
* an e-cigarette solution containing nicotine can impact IVD health through the degeneration of both vasculature and nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells.
* Nicotine causes vasoconstriction leading to decreased glycosaminoglycans (GaG) in the IVD interior and down-regulatory effects on GaGs in the cartilaginous endplate.
* E-cigarette use has been associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased risk for osteoporotic fractures.
* Several vape containing e-liquids were highly cytotoxic at just 2% volume or higher, with cinnamon e-liquid being the most potent and flavorless vapes being the least cytotoxic.

Main Message:
The text highlights the potential risks of e-cigarette use on spinal health, including IVD health, bone health, and spinal fusion. The molecular toxicology of vaping and the inflammatory response triggered by e-cigarette exposure are also discussed. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the long-term toxicological effects of e-cigarette use, particularly in adolescents. The variety of e-cigarette chemical toxins and flavoring agents should be further analyzed to assess their impact on spinal health.

Fiani B, Noblett C, Nanney JM, et al. The Impact of “Vaping” Electronic Cigarettes on Spine health. Cureus. 2020;12(6):1. doi:10.7759/cureus.8907