Vaping-induced metabolomic signatures in the circulation of mice are driven by device type, e-liquid, exposure duration and sex.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the impact of various e-cigarette devices and e-liquids on metabolomic signatures in the circulation of mice. The study considers the role of device type, e-liquid, exposure duration, and sex in shaping these metabolomic profiles. The research offers valuable insights into the potential health consequences of e-cigarette use and highlights key factors that may influence the risks associated with these products.

Key Points:

* The study utilized a nontargeted approach to detect potential small polar, lipophilic bioactive metabolites in the plasma of e-cigarette-aerosol exposed mice and controls, analyzing a total of 9177 metabolites.
* Each vaping device type (vape pen, box Mod, and JUUL) induced a distinct metabolite profile, suggesting different health effects for each device and liquid.
* JUUL mango and vape pen mice had different plasma levels of eicosanoids, which play a role in inflammatory physiological processes and are associated with rheumatologic diseases and severe COVID-19.
* Sex played a significant role, with disparate systemic metabolite profiles in males versus females exposed to e-cigarette aerosols.
* Daily inhalation of JUUL aerosols led to immunomodulation, as demonstrated by numerous metabolite changes occurring in a flavour-specific manner when mice were challenged with inhaled LPS.
* The composition of each e-cigarette device and e-liquid, as well as temperature and wattage, influenced the chemical profile produced and, consequently, the metabolomic profile of the host.
* The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the physiological and pathophysiological effects of e-cigarette aerosol exposure-related metabolomic changes within humans.

Main Message:
The study highlights the complex interplay between various factors, such as device type, e-liquid, exposure duration, and sex, in shaping the metabolomic profiles of e-cigarette users. With each device and e-liquid inducing distinct metabolite profiles, it is crucial to consider these differences when assessing the health impacts of e-cigarette use. The research underscores the need for further investigation into the long-term consequences of e-cigarette exposure on human health and the importance of tailored regulatory measures that account for these variations.

Moshensky a, Du M, Shin J, et al. Vaping-induced metabolomic signatures in the circulation of mice are driven by device type, e-liquid, exposure duration and sex. ERJ open research. 2021;7(3). doi:10.1183/23120541.00229-2021