Summary
Introduction:
This article provides an in vitro analysis of the toxicity of e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system, specifically on human aortic smooth muscle cells. The study explores the impact of nicotine, cinnamon flavor, and thermal degradation products on the cells.
Key Points:
* The study used human aortic smooth muscle cells exposed to e-liquids or aerosol condensates.
* No cytotoxicity or oxidative stress was observed in any experimental condition.
* E-liquid alone induced a slight increase in IL-8 production at the highest dose, but nicotine had no effect.
* aerosol condensates produced with high power induced an enhanced IL-8 production, suggesting a pro-inflammatory effect of thermal degradation products.
* The presence of cinnamon flavor in the aerosol condensate significantly enhanced the pro-inflammatory effect.
* PG/VG base components of e-liquid promoted a pro-inflammatory response, and thermal degradation products potentiated this effect.
* The impact of nicotine remains controversial, with some studies suggesting immune suppressive effects and others indicating pro-inflammatory effects.
Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette aerosol condensates, when produced at high power and from e-liquid containing cinnamon flavor, trigger a pro-inflammatory response in aortic smooth muscle cells. Base components of e-liquid exerted minor impact, but PG/VG could promote a pro-inflammatory response, and thermal degradation products potentiated this effect. Nicotine's role in e-cigarette toxicity requires further investigation. This research contributes to understanding the biological effects of vaping on the cardiovascular system.
Citation
Michon M, Mercier C, Petit C, et al. In Vitro Biological Effects of E-Cigarette on the Cardiovascular System-Pro-Inflammatory Response Enhanced by the Presence of the Cinnamon Flavor. Toxics. 2022;10(12). doi:10.3390/toxics10120784
