Effect of E-Cigarette aerosol exposure on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

Introduction:
This article investigates the effects of electronic cigarette (E-Cig) aerosol exposure on airway inflammation in an allergen-driven murine model of asthma. The study compares the inflammatory response in mice exposed to E-Cig aerosol, fresh air, ovalbumin (Ova) sensitization, and challenges. The key points and main message of the study are summarized below.

Key Points:

* The study design includes four groups of mice: control (fresh air, Ova sensitization, and saline challenge), E-Cig (E-Cig aerosol, Ova sensitization, and saline challenge), Ova S/C (fresh air, Ova sensitization and Ova challenge), and E-Cig þOva S/C (E-Cig aerosol, Ova sensitization and Ova challenge).
* Exposure to E-Cig aerosol significantly increased the number of all types of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BaLF).
* E-Cig aerosol reduced levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)- b1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in lung tissue homogenate.
* Combined E-Cig aerosol and Ova S/C increased the airway recruitment of inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes.
* Combined E-Cig aerosol and Ova S/C increased the level of interleukin (IL)-13 and reduced the level of TGF-b1 in lung tissue homogenate.
* The inflammatory response induced by E-Cig was slightly higher in allergen-driven murine model of asthma than in healthy animals.

Main Message:
The main message of the study is that E-Cig aerosol exposure induces airway inflammation in both control mice and allergen-driven murine model of asthma. The inflammatory response induced by E-Cig was slightly higher in allergen-driven murine model of asthma than in healthy animals. Therefore, the use of E-Cigs in patients with airway inflammation should be considered carefully before recommending these products for smoking cessation. The study highlights the need to conduct further studies to examine the level of airway inflammation and inflammatory markers in E-Cig smokers.

Taha hR, al-Sawalha Na, alzoubi Kh, Khabour OF. Effect of E-Cigarette aerosol exposure on airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Inhalation toxicology. 2020;32(13-14):503-511. doi:10.1080/08958378.2020.1856238