The Molecular Pathways of Lung Damage by E-Cigarettes in Male Wistar Rats.

abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the stages of lung tissue damage caused by exposure to
electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) smoke. The negative health effects of e-cigarettes remain debatable. Several studies
have shown the adverse effects, but others opine that e-cigarettes are safer to use than their tobacco counterparts.
There is, however, a possibility that the long-term health effects, such as respiratory and even kidney function
impairment, are presently not obvious. The amounts of increased free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines
from e-cigarettes result in various physiological disorders, which trigger cell damage and even cell death in the
body. Methods: An experimental study was conducted between March and September 2019 in Airlangga University
using a control and an experimental group of male Wistar rats to assess the levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin
(IL)-8, IL-10, matrix metalloprotein-8 and type-2 collagen. The results were obtained using immunohistochemical
staining methods on alveolar macrophages through Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Results: The results showed that
exposure to e-cigarette smoke caused an increase in free radicals, triggered an inflammatory process and degraded
the type-2 collagen present in the lung tissue. Conclusion: Exposure to e-cigarette smoke can cause cell damage
in lung tissues.

Suryadinata RV, Wirjatmadi B. The Molecular Pathways of Lung Damage by E-Cigarettes in Male Wistar Rats. Sultan qaboos University medical journal. 2021;21(3):436-441. doi:10.18295/squmj.4.2021.003