Electronic cigarette aerosol increases the risk of organ dysfunction by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the health effects associated with electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, specifically focusing on the respiratory system, other organ systems, carcinogenicity, and oxidative stress and inflammation. The authors also discuss the potential hazards of secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol.

Key Points:

* E-cigarette aerosol contains various toxicants and carcinogens, which can lead to addiction, throat and mouth irritation, cough, nausea, and vomiting.
* The use of e-cigarettes can exacerbate symptoms of asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis and may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension.
* E-cigarette aerosol has been linked to severe lung injury and even death, especially among users who consume tetrahydrocannabinol (ThC) in e-cigarette devices.
* Vitamin E acetate, used as a condensing agent in e-cigarettes, may contribute to lung injury by acting as a pro-oxidant rather than an antioxidant in the presence of oxidizing agents.
* acute exposure to nicotine-free e-cigarettes can transiently impair endothelial function, while e-cigarette aerosol containing nicotine can elevate levels of circulating extracellular vesicles of endothelial and platelet origin, suggesting further vascular damage.
* a cross-sectional random-dial telephone survey found an association between smoking e-cigarettes and exacerbation of adverse respiratory events in adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
* animal studies have shown that e-cigarette aerosols can damage various organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems.
* E-cigarette aerosol exposure during pregnancy can increase markers of renal oxidative stress and inflammation, and fibrosis in adult offspring.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in the respiratory system. The presence of various toxicants, carcinogens, and metal particles in e-cigarette aerosols can lead to adverse health effects, including lung injury, cardiovascular issues, and exacerbation of respiratory conditions. Furthermore, secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol may also pose health hazards, although more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. Overall, the text highlights the importance of continued research and regulation to protect public health from the potential dangers of e-cigarette use.

Prasad KN, Bondy SC. Electronic cigarette aerosol increases the risk of organ dysfunction by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation. Drug and chemical toxicology. 2022;45(6):2561-2567. doi:10.1080/01480545.2021.1972680