Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a scientific study investigating the effects of electronic cigarette (E-cig) smoking on lung colonization of human breast cancer cells in NOD-SCID-Gamma mice. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the potential risks of E-cigs to human health.
Key Points:
* The study used a commercial E-cig mix with nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin.
* E-cig vapor extract (EVC) was prepared and used for in vitro and in vivo studies.
* In vitro studies showed that E-cig treatment enhanced breast cancer cell migration but had no significant effect on tumor cell proliferation.
* For in vivo studies, NOD-SCID-Gamma mice were exposed to E-cigs for 4 weeks, 5 days/week, and 2 hours/day.
* Cancer cells labeled with Luciferase and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes were intravenously injected into the tail vein of mice.
* Lung metastasis was monitored weekly, and at the end point, mice were sacrificed, and mice blood and lungs were collected for further assays.
* The results showed that 4-week E-cig exposure almost doubled the tumor load in the exposed lungs compared to controls.
* E-cig exposure did not alter the proliferative index of tumor cells colonized in the lungs, but tumor cell apoptosis was significantly reduced.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that E-cigs promote lung colonization of circulating breast cancer cells, demonstrating the risks of E-cigs on the lung metastasis of various cancers. The findings warrant further studies on the underlying mechanisms.
Citation
huynh D, huang J, Le LTT, et al. Electronic cigarettes promotes the lung colonization of human breast cancer in NOD-SCID-Gamma mice. International journal of clinical and experimental pathology. 2020;13(8):2075-2081.
