adverse effects of fetal exposure of electronic-cigarettes and high-fat diet on male neonatal hearts.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study investigating the adverse effects of fetal exposure to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and a high-fat diet (hFD) on male neonatal hearts. The study found that in utero exposure of e-cigarettes and hFD triggers cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis in the offspring at various postnatal days, which is associated with inactivation of aMP-activated protein kinase (aMPK), increased cardiac oxidative stress, perturbation of cardiac BaX/BCL-2 ratio, and activation of caspase 3.

Key Points:

* The study used time-mated pregnant mice fed a hFD and exposed to saline or e-cigarette aerosol with 2.4% nicotine from embryonic day 4 (E4) to E20.
* The study demonstrated that in utero exposure of e-cigarettes and hFD from E4 to E20 triggers CM apoptosis in the offspring at postnatal day1 (PND1), PND3, and PND14.
* Induction of CM apoptosis following gestational exposure of e-cigarettes and hFD was associated with inactivation of aMPK, increased cardiac oxidative stress coupled with perturbation of cardiac BaX/BCL-2 ratio and activation of caspase 3 at PND 14.
* Electron microscopy revealed that left ventricles of pups at PND14 after e-cigarette exposure exhibited apoptotic nuclei, convoluted nuclear membranes, myofibrillar derangement, and enlarged mitochondria, indicative of cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysfunction.
* The study shows profound adverse effects of prenatal exposure of e-cigarette plus hFD in neonatal hearts that may lead to long-term adverse cardiac consequences in the adult.
* The study highlights that there are no warning labels on e-cigarettes cautioning pregnant women against using them.
* The study suggests that the combination of nicotine and hFD generates greater oxidative stress and triggers CM apoptosis in male mice, leading to hepatic steatosis and skeletal muscle abnormalities.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential adverse effects of fetal exposure to e-cigarettes and hFD on neonatal hearts. The study shows that the combination of nicotine and hFD generates greater oxidative stress and triggers CM apoptosis, leading to cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysfunction. The study emphasizes the need for warning labels on e-cigarettes cautioning pregnant women against using them and suggests that further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to e-cigarettes and hFD. Overall, the study underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use during pregnancy.

hasan KM, Munoz a, Tumoyan h, et al. adverse effects of fetal exposure of electronic-cigarettes and high-fat diet on male neonatal hearts. Experimental and molecular pathology. 2021;118:104573. doi:10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104573