Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes the results of a study that examines the effects of e-cigarette (e-cig) constituents, specifically propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and nicotine, on human placental tissue viability and the production of various biomarkers. The study aims to shed light on the largely unknown health effects of vaping during pregnancy.
Key Points:
* The study used placental explant cultures from 4 and 8 individual women for viability studies and immunoassays, respectively.
* Treatment with PG/VG alone up to 8% had no effect on viability, but nicotine treatment at 2500 nM and 5000 nM significantly reduced MTT activity.
* Co-treatment of nicotine with PG/VG attenuated nicotine toxicity, and the interaction between PG/VG and nicotine required different dose-response curves.
* Exposure to PG/VG decreased levels of IL-6 and hO-1, while nicotine exposure increased hO-1 production. Co-treatment of nicotine with PG/VG tended to reduce nicotine-induced increases in hO-1.
* Exposure to PG/VG reduced 8-IsoP levels, but nicotine and PG/VG combinations increased 8-IsoP levels in some cases.
* PG/VG treatment reduced E2 secretion, and nicotine alone significantly reduced E2 concentrations at all doses. Co-treatment of nicotine with PG/VG also reduced E2 levels.
* Nicotine and PG/VG treatment had no detectible effects on aP production, but nicotine increased BDNF levels, and PG/VG treatment alone had no effect on placental release of BDNF.
Main Message:
The findings of this study suggest that e-cig constituents negatively impact the human placenta and alter the production of critical placental biomarkers. These effects suggest that vaping is an unsafe alternative for pregnant women or their unborn fetus. The study highlights the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with e-cig use, particularly during pregnancy. It also underscores the need for further research to inform tobacco regulations and public health policies.
Citation
Potter Na, arita Y, Peltier MR, Zelikoff JT. Ex vivo toxicity of E-cigarette constituents on human placental tissues. Journal of reproductive immunology. 2022;154:103737. doi:10.1016/j.jri.2022.103737
