E-Cigarette aerosols and the Brain: Behavioral and Neuroinflammatory Changes in Prenatally Exposed adult Mice.

Introduction:
This text summarizes the results of a recent study investigating the effects of prenatal exposure to e-cigarette aerosols on neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation in adult mice. The study compared the outcomes of three groups of pregnant mice exposed to whole-body aerosols of filtered air (control), a 50/50 mixture of solvents (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol, PG=VG) without nicotine, or the same solvent mixture with nicotine. The offspring's behavior and cytokine levels in four brain regions were assessed in adulthood.

Key Points:

* Prenatal exposure to e-cigarette aerosols, with or without nicotine, led to increased locomotor activity in the offspring, similar to the effects of combustible cigarettes.
* Nicotine exposure reduced interferon-gamma levels in some brain regions, potentially altering stress-coping mechanisms.
* Exposure to PG=VG solvent aerosol, with or without nicotine, reduced memory performance in the novel object recognition task.
* Maternal exposure to PG=VG solvent aerosol alone was associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the offspring's cerebellum, suggesting long-lasting adverse consequences for the adult neuro-immune system.
* The study highlights the potential risks of e-cigarette use during pregnancy, even in the absence of nicotine.
* Researchers emphasize the need to inform adolescents and pregnant women about the possible harm of vaping during pregnancy.

Main Message:
The study underscores the potential risks and long-lasting adverse consequences of prenatal exposure to e-cigarette aerosols, including solvent mixtures without nicotine. The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and education about the potential dangers of e-cigarette use during pregnancy, as it may negatively impact fetal neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. To protect vulnerable populations, public health messages should convey the importance of avoiding e-cigarette use during pregnancy.

Schmidt S. E-Cigarette aerosols and the Brain: Behavioral and Neuroinflammatory Changes in Prenatally Exposed adult Mice. Environmental health perspectives. 2020;128(10):104005. doi:10.1289/EhP7315