Introduction:
This critical review article provides an in-depth analysis of the toxicological profile and immunological consequences of e-cigarette (e-cig) use. The authors performed a systematic search of articles published in public databases and analyzed the research evidence to give critical information regarding e-cig safety.
Key points:
* E-cigs are alternative nicotine delivery systems filled with glycerol or propylene glycol-based solutions known as e-liquids.
* E-cig aerosols contain many of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, but in lower quantities.
* Excessive vaping has been reported to induce inflammatory responses, including MaPK, JaK/STaT, and NF-κB signalling, similar to tobacco smoke.
* Prolonged exposure to some constituents of e-cig aerosols might result in respiratory complications such as asthma, COPD, and inflammation.
* E-cig device models have emerged over the years, with variable voltage, current, and temperature affecting the composition of aerosols produced.
* E-liquids and e-cig aerosols contain potentially toxic compounds, including carbonyl compounds and flavoring agents, which could be responsible for the formation of reactive oxygen species in lungs.
* The toxicological studies conducted thus far show some concerning results, but various shortcomings in study design render the outcomes inconclusive.
* The immunological responses to e-cig vaping remain elusive, with contradictory reports on the effects of e-cigs on pulmonary function and nitric oxide release in exhaled air.
* Exposure to e-cig aerosols has been shown to induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, impair DNa repair, and boost drug resistance in bacteria.
Main message:
The long-term toxicological and immunological effects of e-cigarette use remain elusive due to their relatively short existence. however, based on the available evidence, excessive vaping has been reported to induce inflammatory responses, and prolonged exposure to some constituents of e-cig aerosols might result in respiratory complications. Future studies are warranted to establish correlations between e-cig types, generations, and e-liquid flavors and immunological and toxicological profiles to broaden our understanding about the effects of vaping. The marketing and popularization of e-cigs as smoking cessation tools make it necessary to extend studies to include populations or groups with compromised immune systems. a detailed understanding of the ill-effects of e-cig use, including mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and effects on growth and reproductive health, needs to be gained.
Citation
Kaur, Gagandeep, Rakeysha Pinkston, Benathel Mclemore, Waneene C. Dorsey, and Sanjay Batra. “Immunological and Toxicological Risk assessment of E-Cigarettes.” European Respiratory Review 27, no. 147 (March 31, 2018): 170119. https://doi.org/10.1183/16000617.0119-2017.
