Summary
Introduction:
This article presents a study on the effects of vegetable glycerin (VG) e-cigarette aerosols on airway inflammation and ion channel dysfunction. The study was conducted using human volunteers, a large animal model (sheep), and air-liquid interface cultures of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (hBECs). The study found that VG e-cigarette aerosols reduced the activity of nasal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in human volunteers, increased markers of inflammation, and disrupted mucociliary function in vitro and in vivo.
Key Points:
* The study found that VG e-cigarette aerosols reduced CFTR activity in human volunteers who vaped for seven days.
* Volunteers who vaped VG-containing e-liquids showed elevated levels of in flammation biomarkers, including IL6, IL8, and MMP9 mRNas and MMP-9 activity.
* Sheep exposed to VG e-cigarette aerosols had increased mucus concentrations and MMP-9 activity in tracheal secretions and plasma levels of TGF- β1.
* In vitro exposure of hBECs to VG e-cigarette aerosols reduced ciliary beating and increased mucus concentrations.
* VG e-cigarette aerosols reduced CFTR function in hBECs by reducing membrane fluidity.
* Expression levels of IL6, IL8, TGFB1, and MUC5aC mRNas were significantly increased in hBECs after seven days of exposure to VG e-cigarette aerosols.
* The study suggests that VG e-cigarette aerosols can potentially cause harm in the airway by inducing in flammation and ion channel dysfunction with consequent mucus hyperconcentration.
Main Message:
The study adds to the growing body of evidence that e-cigarette aerosols, even in the absence of nicotine and flavorings, can have harmful effects on the airway. The study suggests that VG e-cigarette aerosols can potentially cause airway inflammation and ion channel dysfunction with consequent mucus hyperconcentration. The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in naïve users with no previous history of smoking or vaping.
Citation
Kim MD, Chung S, Dennis JS, et al. Vegetable glycerin e-cigarette aerosols cause airway inflammation and ion channel dysfunction. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2022;13:1012723. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.1012723
