an in vitro evaluation of e-vapor products: The contributions of chemical adulteration, concentration, and device power.

Introduction:
This article investigates the potential health risks associated with e-vapor products, specifically focusing on the impact of e-liquid formulations and device power settings. The study employs an in vitro approach, using human cell cultures to evaluate the toxicity of various e-liquid components and aerosols generated at different power settings.

Key Points:

* The study investigates the toxicity of individual e-liquid components, such as vitamin E acetate (VEa), cannabidiol (CBD), and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFas), using relevant human two-dimensional (2D) culture systems.
* human Smallair™ organotypic epithelial cultures are exposed to aerosols generated from adulterated e-liquid formulations using a programmable dual syringe pump and the Vitrocell® 24/48 exposure system.
* Endpoints indicative of epithelial function, integrity, and structure are assessed, including ciliary beating frequency (CBF), transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and histological processing.
* The study finds that aerosols generated with higher power settings have higher carbonyl concentrations.
* CBD, phytol, and lauric acid cause cytotoxicity in both culture systems and increase lipid-laden macrophages.
* Exposure to CBD-containing aerosols results in tissue injury and loss of CBF and TEER, while PG/VG alone or with nicotine or VEa does not.
* The presence and concentration of certain chemicals and device power may induce cytotoxicity in vitro, raising concerns about power-adjustable devices and the need for toxicity assessments for both e-liquid formulations and their aerosols.

Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of considering e-liquid formulations and device power settings when evaluating the potential health risks associated with e-vapor products. The findings suggest that power-adjustable devices may generate toxic compounds and underscore the need for continued efforts to characterize and regulate all vaping products more effectively.

Johne S, van der Toorn M, Iskandar aR, et al. an in vitro evaluation of e-vapor products: The contributions of chemical adulteration, concentration, and device power. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research association. 2023;175:113708. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2023.113708