Understanding potential mechanisms of harm: the drivers of electronic cigarette-induced changes in alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and lung epithelial cells.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of a research article examining the potential mechanisms of harm associated with electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use. The article focuses on the effects of e-cigarette exposure on alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and lung epithelial cells, identifying key cellular dysfunctions that may have long-term implications for chronic disease development.

Key Points:

* The research uses various exposure models and e-cigarette devices, with a focus on humectant bases with or without nicotine and no flavorings.
* E-cigarette exposure induces toxicities in epithelial cells, similar to cigarette smoke extract exposure.
* Dysfunctional cilia beat frequency and motility are reported in human nasal epithelial cells and normal human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to e-cigarettes.
* Increased IL8 secretion from lung epithelial cells is associated with worse obstruction in COPD, impacting disease pathophysiology.
* alveolar macrophages exhibit reduced efferocytosis, impaired phagocytosis, and increased proinflammatory cytokine release after e-cigarette exposure.
* Neutrophils display altered migration, decreased ROS production, and impaired phagocytosis after e-cigarette exposure.
* The study highlights the need for extensive research on nicotine receptors, signaling pathways, transcriptional/epigenetic alterations, and metabolic changes across all cell types.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the cellular mechanisms of e-cigarette-induced harm. While longitudinal studies are needed to fully determine the effects of chronic vaping, better in vitro studies can provide crucial insight into how e-cigarettes affect key cell types and how these mechanisms differ from those of cigarette smoking. This information is crucial for informing policy makers, healthcare professionals, and the public on the safety of e-cigarettes.

Jasper aE, Sapey E, Thickett DR, Scott a. Understanding potential mechanisms of harm: the drivers of electronic cigarette-induced changes in alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and lung epithelial cells. american journal of physiology Lung cellular and molecular physiology. 2021;321(2):L336-L348. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00081.2021