E-liquid exposure induces bladder cancer cells to release extracellular vesicles that promote non-malignant urothelial cell transformation.

Introduction:
This article discusses a study examining the effects of electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) use on bladder cancer (BC) risk. The study found that E-cigarette use can alter the release and functionality of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BC cells, potentially contributing to the field cancerization effect and increasing the risk of BC recurrence. The study also highlights the presence of bladder carcinogens in the urine of E-cigarette users, supporting the potential carcinogenic effects of E-cigarettes.

Key points:

* Rates of E-cigarette use have risen rapidly, with a 900% increase among high school students between 2011 and 2015.
* E-cigarette vaping may be safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, but the safety profiles remain to be fully characterized.
* Inhalation of flavored E-liquid aerosols can induce inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress, potentially contributing to the risk of BC development.
* BC patients exhibit high rates of recurrent disease, possibly as a consequence of the field cancerization effect.
* BC-derived EVs can permanently alter recipient urothelial cells, contributing to tumor formation.
* Smoking or E-cigarette use can alter the release and/or functionality of EVs derived from BC cells, potentially exacerbating damage to recipient cells and supporting their oncogenic transformation.
* Further research is needed to investigate the carcinogenic properties of different E-liquids and their effects on BC risk.

Main message:
While E-cigarette use may be safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, the study highlights the potential carcinogenic effects of E-cigarettes on BC risk. The alteration of EV release and functionality by smoking or E-cigarette use can exacerbate damage to recipient cells and support their oncogenic transformation. Given the surge in popularity of E-cigarettes and the presence of bladder carcinogens in the urine of E-cigarette users, further research is urgently needed to investigate the carcinogenic properties of different E-liquids and their effects on BC risk.

Molony RD, Wu Ch, Lee YF. E-liquid exposure induces bladder cancer cells to release extracellular vesicles that promote non-malignant urothelial cell transformation. Scientific reports. 2023;13(1):142. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-27165-z