Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the role of synthetic coolants, WS-3 and WS-23, in modulating e-cigarette-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung epithelial cells. The study aims to understand how these synthetic coolants, increasingly prevalent in e-liquids sold in the US, impact acellular ROS production from e-liquid aerosols and cellular ROS levels from pulmonary epithelial cells exposed to these e-liquids.
Key Points:
* The study found that adding WS-3 to e-liquid base (PG:VG), regardless of nicotine content, has a minimal impact on modifying e-cig generated acellular ROS levels.
* Cellular ROS was increased by WS-3 and WS-23 treated in e-cig nicotine groups.
* WS-23 itself has a limited impact in altering e-cig-generated acellular ROS levels as well as a limited effect on modifying the levels of ROS generated by BEaS-2B cells.
* The addition of WS-3 to e-liquids does not significantly modify e-cig generated acellular ROS levels nor cellular ROS levels generated by treated BEaS-2B cells.
* Previous studies have shown that treatments with aerosolized e-liquids induce significant levels of ROS production in BEaS-2B cells.
* Future studies should utilize cell culture exposures via e-cig aerosols for analyzing the cellular oxidative-stress levels.
* The study underscores the need for further investigation into the role of WS-3 and WS-23 in e-cigarettes in disrupting the endogenous oxidant and antioxidant balance in airways upon inhalation.
Main Message:
The study provides valuable insights into the role of synthetic coolants, WS-3 and WS-23, in e-cigarettes and their potential impact on vaping-induced oxidative stress in the lungs. The findings suggest that the addition of WS-3 and WS-23 to e-liquids has a minimal effect on modifying the acellular ROS levels from aerosolized e-liquid base solution or the cellular ROS levels generated by BEaS-2B cells exposed to e-liquid base solution. however, ROS levels were increased by WS-3 and WS-23 in e-cig/e-liquid nicotine groups, indicating a potential health risk associated with inhaling the newly marketed e-cigs containing synthetic coolants. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the role of WS-3 and WS-23 in e-cigarettes in disrupting the endogenous oxidant and antioxidant balance in airways upon inhalation.
Citation
Yogeswaran S, Shaikh SB, Manevski M, Chand hS, Rahman I. The role of synthetic coolants, WS-3 and WS-23, in modulating E-cigarette-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lung epithelial cells. Toxicology reports. 2022;9:1700-1709. doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.08.007
