Reactive Oxygen Species, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Cellular Membrane Potential are Predictors of E-Liquid Induced Cellular Toxicity.

Introduction:
This text is a scientific article that investigates the cellular toxicity of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids, also known as e-liquids, and their chemical components. The study aims to identify potential flavors and/or chemical constituents that show detrimental cellular effects beyond basic live/dead assays. The researchers used high-throughput screening (hTS) approaches to test neat e-liquids and found that certain flavors and chemical components have a significant impact on cellular toxicity.

Key Points:

* The study included 98 e-liquids purchased from 74 different vendors.
* The researchers used high-throughput screening (hTS) approaches to test the e-liquids' effects on cell survival, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cellular membrane potential (Vm).
* The study found that e-liquids caused a dose-dependent decrease in ΔΨ m and Vm and an increase in ROS production and toxicity.
* The presence of five specific chemical components, including vanillin, benzyl alcohol, acetoin, cinnamaldehyde, and methyl-cyclopentenolone, but not nicotine, were linked with the changes observed in the cellular traits studied.
* The study also found that ΔΨ m, ROS, Vm, and toxicity may be indicative of the extent of cell death upon e-liquid exposure.
* The study suggests that further research on the effect of flavors should be prioritized to help policy makers such as the FDa to regulate e-liquid composition.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that e-liquid cellular toxicity can be predicted using parameters amenable to hTS, and it is linked to the chemical composition, specifically flavoring components. The study highlights the need for further research on the effect of flavors and for regulatory measures to ensure the safety of e-cigarette products. The findings of this study can help inform policy decisions related to e-cigarette regulation and public health.

Correia-Álvarez E, Keating JE, Glish G, Tarran R, Sassano MF. Reactive Oxygen Species, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Cellular Membrane Potential are Predictors of E-Liquid Induced Cellular Toxicity. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22:S4-S13. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa177