Carrier Solvents of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems alter Pulmonary Surfactant.

Introduction:
This article investigates the interaction between the primary solvents used in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and pulmonary surfactant, which is a crucial component of the lung that prevents the collapsing of alveoli during breathing. The study uses an in vitro model to examine the molecular interactions between PG-VG and the dominant molecule of lung surfactant, DPPC, using attenuated total re flectance-fourier transform infrared (aTR-FTIR) spectroscopy.

Key Points:

* PG and VG alter the molecular alignment of the DPPC surfactant.
* The orientation of the surfactant at the surface of the lung affects the surface tension at the air-water interface, thereby influencing breathing.
* Chronic aerosolization of the primary solvents in ENDS might alter the function of pulmonary surfactant.
* The study uses an in vitro model to investigate the molecular interactions between PG-VG and the dominant molecule of lung surfactant, DPPC, using aTR-FTIR spectroscopy.
* PG and VG decreased the DPPC related vibrational bands at 1737 cm-1, 2849 cm-1, and 2917 cm-1.
* The relative intensities of the specific peaks of DPPC decayed exponentially with the cumulative number of pu ffs.
* The change in the orientation of the transition dipole moment of the vibration mode in the DPPC molecule is the most plausible scenario for the decrease in the intensities observed.

Main Message:
The study suggests that chronic aerosolization of PG and VG, the primary solvents in ENDS, might alter the function of pulmonary surfactant, which could lead to pulmonary injury or disease. The study's findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the molecular-level interaction between surfactant and ENDS carrier solvents fully. The study's results could have significant implications for regulation and public health messaging around ENDS use.

hayeck N, Zoghzoghi C, Karam E, et al. Carrier Solvents of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems alter Pulmonary Surfactant. Chemical research in toxicology. 2021;34(6):1572-1577. doi:10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00528