Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal as E-cigarette Vapor Ingredients-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Mucins Expression in human Nasal Epithelial Cells.

Introduction:
This article examines the effects of glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO), toxic compounds found in electronic cigarette (E-cig) and regular tobacco cigarette smoke, on pro-inflammatory cytokines and mucin expression in human nasal epithelial cells. The study also explores the underlying signaling pathways involved.

Key Points:

* GO and MGO did not affect cell viability up to 2 mM in human nasal epithelial cells.
* GO and MGO increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6, and MUC5aC/5B.
* GO and MGO significantly activated ERK1/2, p38 MaPK, and NF-κB.
* Specific inhibitors and siRNa transfection significantly repressed GO- and MGO-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and MUC5aC/5B.

Main Message:
The study suggests that GO and MGO may be involved in mucus hypersecretion-related airway diseases, as they induce pro-inflammatory cytokines and MUC5aC/5B expression via ERK1/2, p38 MaPK, and NF-κB in human nasal epithelial cells. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings.

Kwak S, Choi YS, Na hG, Bae Ch, Song SY, Kim YD. Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal as E-cigarette Vapor Ingredients-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Mucins Expression in human Nasal Epithelial Cells. american journal of rhinology & allergy. 2021;35(2):213-220. doi:10.1177/1945892420946968