E-cigarette Aerosol Research Articles

Immunological Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use: A Review of Current Evidence.

Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products, but their impact on immune function has raised significant health concerns. This review explores the immunological effects of EC exposure, focusing on innate and adaptive immune responses. Electronic cigarette aerosol (ECA) induces widespread inflammation. These changes compromise immune cell function, impairing neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst while increasing macrophage and dendritic cell recruitment and activation. ECA also disrupts epithelial barriers, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Studies show enhanced biofilm formation in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and impaired antiviral responses against pathogens like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, EC exposure modulates adaptive immunity, affecting T and B cell function and increasing systemic inflammatory markers. The long-term consequences of these immunological disruptions include heightened risks for chronic inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, and potentially autoimmune conditions. The widespread adoption of EC, particularly among younger users, poses a growing public health challenge. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, these immunological disruptions could result in increased healthcare burdens in the future, with higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and immune system-related disorders among those who begin using e-cigarettes at a young age. Understanding the full scope of EC-related health risks is essential for informing public health policies and protecting future generations from the potential long-term effects of vaping.

Oxidative stress promotes lipid-laden macrophage formation via CYP1B1.

Emerging evidence suggests that lipid-laden macrophages (LLM) participate in lung damage in various clinical conditions. However, the mechanisms involved in LLM formation are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the link between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and LLM formation. We found that ROS triggered by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or H2O2 significantly promoted LLM formation. Given the key role of ROS in LLM formation, we further demonstrated that LLM formation is induced by various ROS-producing stimuli, including bacteria, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), hyperoxia, and E-cigarette vapor extract (EVE). Meanwhile, cytochrome P450 family-1 subfamily B member 1 (CYP1B1) was highly upregulated in lung macrophages from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and CSE-treated macrophages. Functionally, CYP1B1 contributes to the CSE-induced lipid accumulation and LLM formation. CYP1B1 expression and LLM formation were effectively suppressed by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and carvedilol. The formation of LLM was also associated with classically activated M1 but not the M2 state. CSE-induced LLM showed time-dependent alterations in inflammatory response and phagocytic ability. In summary, our study highlights the role of oxidative stress in LLM formation. CYP1B1 contributes to ROS-induced LLM formation and may serve as a therapeutic target for reducing LLM-induced lung damage.

Assessing the impact of device parameters on electronic cigarette aerosol dynamics: Comprehensive analysis of emission profiles and toxic chemical constituents.

The toxicity of electronic cigarette (EC) aerosol is influenced not only by the type of e-liquid but also by various operational parameters of the device used to vaporize it. In this study, we utilized a flask and heating mantle system, instead of a conventional EC device, to systematically evaluate the effects of EC device operational parameters, including vaporization temperature, airflow rate, and the materials of coils and wicks, on the generated mass of EC aerosol and the production of toxic carbonyl compounds. The results demonstrated that these parameters significantly impact aerosol mass and toxicant composition. Specifically, increasing vaporization temperature and airflow rate drastically affect aerosol mass, showing exponential and logarithmic increases. Using the ISO 20768 method, aerosol mass (from 20μL e-liquid) escalated over threefold from 3100μg at 200°C to 10,300μg at 400°C, illustrating temperature's pivotal role. Formaldehyde levels rose from 0.21μg to 60.2μg with temperature increases from 200°C to 400°C. At a realistic vaporization temperature of 300°C, the formaldehyde mass was 2.21μg (3.28ppm), exceeding the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level for acute respiratory toxicity in humans. While cotton wicks modestly affected aerosol mass, they significantly raised formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels by 36.2%. In contrast, silica, kanthal, and nichrome materials increased aerosol mass and chemicals like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde by 22.7% to 63.2%. Our findings underscore the urgent need for regulations encompassing e-liquids and EC devices to mitigate health risks associated with EC use, providing a scientific basis for safety-focused regulatory measures.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Effects of Electronic Cigarettes on Maternal Health and Vascular Function in the Fourth Trimester.

Pregnancy is a vulnerable time with significant cardiovascular changes that can lead to adverse outcomes, which can extend into the postpartum window. Exposure to emissions from electronic cigarettes (Ecig), commonly known as "vaping," has an adverse impact on cardiovascular function during pregnancy and post-natal life of offspring, but the postpartum effects on maternal health are poorly understood. We used a Sprague Dawley rat model, where pregnant dams are exposed to Ecigs between gestational day (GD)2-GD21 to examine postpartum consequences. Litter and dam health were monitored during the weaning period, and maternal vascular and endocrine function were assessed after weaning.Exposure to Ecig emissions during pregnancy led to fetal losses (i.e., reabsorption in utero) and reduced survival of pups during weaning compared to controls (air-exposed dams). We find that maternal vaping during pregnancy, with or without nicotine (or flavoring) results in maternal vascular and hormonal dysfunction (i.e., reduced prolactin, increased expression of sirtuin 1 deacetylase in the brain). Both5 and 30W Ecig aerosol exposures resulted in significant impairment of middle cerebral artery reactivity to acetylcholine-mediated dilation (decreasing ~ 22 and ~ 50%, respectively).We also observed an increase in the number of extracellular vesicles (EVs)in plasma from 30-W group that persists up to 3-week postpartum and that these EVs impaired endothelial cell function when applied to in vitro and ex vivo assays. Our data suggest (1) Ecig vaping, even without nicotine or flavorings, during pregnancy alters maternal circulating factors that influence maternal and fetal health, (2) circulating EVs may contribute to the etiology of vascular dysfunction, and (3) that the window for recovery from vascular dysfunction in the dam is likely to be longer than the exposure window.

Secondhand vape exposure regulation of CFTR and immune function in cystic fibrosis.

Background: Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) is a public health threat for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other lung diseases. Primary smoking reduces CFTR channel function, the causative defect in CF. We reported that SHSe worsens respiratory and nutritional outcomes in CF by disrupting immune responses and metabolic signaling. Recently, electronic cigarette (e-cigs) usage by caregivers and peers has increased rapidly, causing new secondhand e-cig vape exposures. Primary vaping is associated with immunologic deficits in healthy people, but it is unknown if e-cigs similarly impacts CF immune function or how it differs from SHSe. Methods: Human CF and non-CF blood monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) and bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were exposed to flavored and unflavored e-cigs. The effect of e-cigs on CFTR expression and function, bacterial killing, cytokine signaling, lipid mediators, and metabolism was measured during treatment with CFTR modulators. Results: E-cigs decreased CFTR expression and function in CF and non-CF MDMs and negated CFTR functional restoration by elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI). E-cigs also negated the restoration of anti-inflammatory PGD2 expression in CF MDMs treated with ETI compared to controls. Flavored but not unflavored e-cigs increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in CF MDMs and e-cigs promoted glycolytic metabolism. E-cigs did not impact bacterial killing. Overall, HBECs were less impacted by e-cigs compared to MDMs. Conclusion: E-cigs reduced macrophage CFTR expression and hindered functional CFTR restoration by CFTR modulators, promoting a glycolytic, pro-inflammatory state. E-cigs are an emerging public health threat that may limit the efficacy of CFTR modulators in people with CF.

Chemical Transformation of Vaping Emissions under Indoor Atmospheric Aging Processes.

E-cigarette emissions, which contain a variety of hazardous compounds, contribute significantly to indoor air pollution and raise concerns about secondhand exposure to vaping byproducts. Compared to fresh vape emissions, our understanding of chemically aged products in indoor environments remains incomplete. Terpenes are commonly used as flavoring agents in e-liquids, which have the ability to react with the dominant indoor oxidant ozone (O3) to produce reactive oxygenated byproducts and result in new particle formation. In this study, mixtures of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and terpenes as e-liquids were injected into a 2 m3 FEP chamber to simulate the indoor aging process. 100 ppbv O3 was introduced into the chamber and allowed to react with the fresh vape emissions for 1 h. Complementary online and offline analytical techniques were used to characterize the changes in the aerosol size distribution and chemical composition during the aging processes. We observed more ultrafine particles and a greater abundance of highly oxygenated species, such as carbonyls, in aged e-cigarette aerosols. Compared with their fresh counterparts, the aged emissions exhibited greater cytotoxic potential, which can be attributed to the formation of these highly oxygenated compounds that are not present in the fresh emissions. This work highlights the dynamic chemistry and toxicity of e-cigarette aerosols in the indoor environment as well as the indirect risks of secondhand exposure.

Characterizing the Transient Emission of Particles and Gases from a Single Puff of Electronic Cigarette Smoke.

This study employed high-time-resolution systems to examine the transient properties of aerosols and gases emitted from electronic cigarette (EC) puffs. Using a fast aerosol sizer, we measured particle size distributions (PSDs) across various EC brands (JUUL, VUSE, VOOPOO), revealing sizes ranging from 5 to 1000 nm at concentrations of 107 to 1010 cm-3. Most aerosols were found to be in the ultrafine range (below 100 nm), with JUUL-, VUSE-, and VOOPOO-producing aerosols with geometric mean sizes of 19.9, 47.3, and 29.4 nm, respectively. Applying the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) deposition model and assuming no further evolution of aerosols in the respiratory system, we estimated particle deposition in different respiratory regions: 45-60% in the alveolar region, 10-25% in the tracheobronchial region, and 20-35% in the extrathoracic region. The highest single-puff deposition was observed with the VOOPOO device at 60 W, depositing 180.1 ± 7.6 μg in the alveolar region. The gas emissions (CO2, NOx, CO, and total hydrocarbons) were measured at different power settings of the VOOPOO EC. Single-puff NOx and CO levels exceeded the permissible exposure limits of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, indicating potential acute exposure risks. Higher power settings were correlated with increased gas mixing ratios, suggesting more e-liquid vaporization and possible chemical transformations at higher temperatures. These findings demonstrated significant health risks associated with ultrafine particles from high-power ECs and emphasize the need for advanced measurements to accurately assess their physicochemical properties and potential health implications.

Effect of electronic cigarette atomising power and flavour on aerosol size-segregated metal concentration and inhalation risk

IntroductionAlthough numerous studies have estimated the inhalation dose of metals emitted from electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), the impact of factors including aerosol size and the atomising power of e-cig aerosols on...

VAPING AND THE SKIN: UNVEILING DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS LINKED TO E-CIGARETTE USE

E-cigarettes, often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, have rapidly gained popularity worldwide. While much attention has been focused on their respiratory and cardiovascular effects, the dermatological implications of e-cigarette use remain underexplored. This article delves into the potential skin-related manifestations associated with vaping, drawing attention to conditions such as contact dermatitis, exacerbation of pre-existing skin disorders, and delayed wound healing. Additionally, we examine the role of chemical components in e-cigarette aerosols, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavoring agents, which may contribute to skin irritation and inflammation. Emerging evidence also suggests a possible link between vaping and systemic effects that impact skin health, including altered immune responses and microvascular changes. By shedding light on these dermatological concerns, this review underscores the need for increased awareness among dermatologists, clinicians, and e-cigarette users. Further research is essential to establish definitive causal relationships and develop targeted interventions for managing these conditions.

Ventilation and features of the lung environment dynamically alter modeled intrapulmonary aerosol exposure from inhaled electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) fundamentally differ from tobacco cigarettes in their generation of liquid-based aerosols. Investigating how e-cig aerosols behave when inhaled into the dynamic environment of the lung is important for understanding vaping-related exposure and toxicity. A ventilated artificial lung model was developed to replicate the ventilatory and environmental features of the human lung and study their impact on the characteristics of inhaled e-cig aerosols from simulated vaping scenarios. Compared to static conditions, normal breathing decreased peak particle number concentrations (PNCs) and area under the curve (AUC) by 40% and 70%, respectively, and increased particle decay rates fourfold. However, even with ventilation, intrapulmonary PNC levels exceeded 2 × 106 particles/mL in a 4-puff vaping session. Both respiratory rate and tidal volume modulated e-cig aerosol exposure in a manner inversely proportional to minute ventilation. The modeled lung environment (37 °C, 88% relative humidity) also significantly altered particle size distributions by facilitating aerosol transformations such as hygroscopic growth, which further impacted e-cig aerosol exposure and particle removal. This work highlights the dynamic nature of intrapulmonary exposures and underscores the need to account for lung physiology and environmental factors when assessing inhaled e-cig aerosols.

Effects of E-Cigarette (e-cig) Aerosols on Mutagenesis in Selected Organs in a C57 lacI (BigBlueTM) Mouse Model.

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential mutagenic effects of the exposure of mice to aerosols produced from the component liquids of an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and ENDSs has increased tremendously over the past two decades. From what we know to date, ENDSs contain much lower levels of known carcinogens than tobacco smoke. While conventional tobacco smoke is a well-established mutagen, little is known about the mutagenicity of ENDS aerosols. Here, we report the mutagenic effects of a 3-month whole body exposure of C57 lacI mice (BigBlueTM) to filtered air (AIR) or ENDS aerosols in several tissues. Aerosols were generated from a 50/50 vegetable glycerin (VG)/propylene glycol (PG) mixture with and without nicotine. The results revealed that in the lung, bladder urothelial tissue, and tongue, mutagenesis was significantly greater in the VG/PG/nicotine group than in the AIR group. In all organs except the bladder, mutagenesis in the VG/PG only group was similar to those exposed to AIR. In the bladder, mutagenesis in the VG/PG group was elevated compared to that in the AIR group. In the liver, mutagenesis was modestly elevated in the VG/PG/nicotine group, but the elevation failed to reach statistical significance. Overall, there were no consistent differences in mutagenesis between the sexes. The results of this study suggest that exposure to e-cig aerosols containing nicotine represents a risk factor for carcinogenesis in several organ systems, and exposure to VG/PG alone may be a risk factor for bladder cancer.

A Ventilated Three-Dimensional Artificial Lung System for Human Inhalation Exposure Studies.

Traditional in vitro and in vivo models for inhalation toxicology studies often fail to replicate the anatomical and physiological conditions of the human lung. This limitation hinders our understanding of intrapulmonary exposures and their related health effects. To address this gap, we developed a ventilated artificial lung system that replicates human inhalation exposures in four key aspects: (1) facilitating continuous breathing with adjustable respiratory parameters; (2) distributing inhaled aerosols through transitional airflow fields in 3D-printed airway structures, which enables size-dependent particle deposition; (3) duplicating the warm and humid lung environment to promote inhaled aerosol dynamics, such as hygroscopic growth; and (4) supporting the cultivation of human airway epithelium for aerosol exposure and toxicological analyses. As a proof-of-concept application, we exposed human bronchial epithelial cells to electronic cigarette aerosols in the system. Our results show that electronic cigarette particles undergo significant hygroscopic growth within the artificial lung, leading to a 19% greater deposition dose compared to data collected at room temperature and relative humidity. Additionally, short-term exposure altered epithelial production of the chemokine Fractalkine in a nicotine-dependent manner, but no acute toxic effects were observed. This artificial lung system provides a more physiologically relevant in vitro model for studying inhalation exposures.

The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Oral Health-A Narrative Review.

Background/Objectives: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are commonly used by former smokers as an alternative product to conventional cigarettes and also by young adults and adolescents to deliver nicotine. E-cigarettes are thought to be a less harmful and more socially acceptable alternative to tobacco smoking; however, their long-term effects on health, including oral health, are currently unknown. Methods: A literature search for relevant papers indexed in the literature from 2016 to 2023 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. In our paper, we included clinical trials and both in vivo and in vitro research concerning the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health. Results: E-cigarettes impact the oral cavity, which is directly exposed to inhaled chemicals present in e-cigarette aerosols. The use of e-cigarettes has been linked to teeth discoloration and dental caries, promoting the development of periodontal diseases and causing oral mucosa lesions, including oral cancer. E-cigarette aerosols might also negatively affect the oral microbiome by suppressing the growth of commensal bacteria and increasing the population of bacteria responsible for developing numerous oral disorders. E-cigarettes also impact saliva composition and its properties, including reducing saliva's antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which may subsequently lead to the promotion of oral diseases. Conclusions: The outcomes suggest that e-cigarette usage may cause the development of oral diseases, however further longitudinal studies of a larger and homogenous group of e-cigarette users are required.

Impact of electronic cigarette vaping on the cardiovascular function in young and old rats

BackgroundWhile the acute exposure to electronic cigarette (E-cig) vapor has been associated with an increase in blood pressure, the chronic effect of E-cig vapor on blood pressure compared to standard cigarette smoke has not been extensively studied. We determined the effect of E-cig exposure on blood pressure and other measures of cardiac function in both young and old rats.MethodsYoung Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old, both sexes) were randomly exposed to air (n = 34), E-cig with nicotine (E-cig Nic+; n = 30), E-cig without nicotine (E-cig Nic-; n = 28) or standard cigarette smoke (n = 27). Old Fischer 344 rats (25 months old, both sexes) were randomized into 2 groups: (1) 26 rats in the purified air (negative control) group and (2) 17 rats in the electronic cigarette vapor plus nicotine group (E-cig Nic+). After 12 weeks of exposure, hemodynamics were determined by Millar catheter, echocardiography, and thermodilution catheter, a few days after their last exposure.ResultsIn young rats, cigarette smoke was associated with higher systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures and peak LV systolic pressure, compared to air or E-cig Nic + or E-cig Nic- groups. Neither fractional shortening nor cardiac output differed among the groups. Absolute value for dp/dt min, a measure of diastolic LV function, was lowest in the E-cig Nic- group. Tau, a measure of LV relaxation was worse in this group as well. In old rats, E-cig vaping did not change heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac function. However, E-cig Nic + exposure was associated with a greater heart weight/BW and LV weight/BW compared to air exposure in old rats.ConclusionsChronic exposure to E-cig vaping did not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, nor did it change cardiac function compared to air in young rats after 12 weeks of exposure, while standard cigarette smoking was associated with an increase in blood pressure. E-cig vaping was associated with a greater heart weight/BW and LV weight/BW compared to air exposure in old rats, suggested that older animals might be more vulnerable to E-cig stimulus than younger ones.

E-Cigarette effects on oral health: A molecular perspective.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have emerged as a potential alternative to traditional smoking and may aid in tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation. E-cigarette use has notably increased, especially among young non-tobacco users, raising concerns due to the unknown long-term health effects. The oral cavity is the first and one of the most crucial anatomical sites for the deposition of e-cigarette aerosols. E-cigarette aerosols contain nicotine, flavors, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, carcinogens, and other hazardous substances. These aerosols impact the oral cavity, disrupting host-microbial interactions and triggering gingivitis and systemic diseases. Furthermore, oral inflammation and periodontitis can be caused by proinflammatory cytokines induced by e-cigarette aerosols. The toxic components of e-cigarette aerosols increase the cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reduce antioxidant capacity, increase DNA damage, and disrupt repair processes, which may further contribute to harmful effects on oral epithelum, leading to inflammatory and pre-malignant oral epithelial lesions. In this review, we analyze the toxicological properties of compounds in e-cigarette aerosols, exploring their cytotoxic, genotoxic, and inflammatory effects on oral health and delving into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Further research is essential to understand the impact of e-cigarettes on oral health and make informed regulatory decisions based on reliable scientific evidence.

The Effects of Electronic Cigarettes on Oral Microbiome and Metabolome in 3D Tissue-Engineered Models.

Recent studies have shown that electronic cigarettes (ECs) use disrupts the oral microbiome composition and diversity, impairing the metabolic pathways of the mucosal cells. However, to date, no reports have evaluated the role of EC exposure in the context of oral metabolome. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of EC aerosol exposure in the dysregulation of the oral microbiome and metabolome profile using in vitro 3D organotypic models of human oral mucosa. 3D tissue-engineered human oral mucosa models were generated and infected with oral microbes obtained from saliva of a healthy donor. The epithelial surface of the oral mucosal models was exposed directly to the EC aerosol (flavoured; with and without nicotine) as it came out of a simulated activated device that mimicked the clinical situation. A comprehensive assessment of oral microbiome community composition by bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. A gas chromatography-based mass spectrometry analysis was also conducted to identify the effect of vaping on the oral metabolome profile. A higher alpha diversity in flavoured EC with nicotine groups was observed compared to controls, with notable differences in bacterial taxa abundance. Metabolomics analysis further demonstrated distinct clustering of control, EC with flavoured nicotine, and flavoured EC groups, confirming 13 metabolites that were statistically higher in levels in flavoured EC with nicotine group, indicating the adverse effects of nicotine on the oral mucosa model. Altered metabolites were mainly enriched in pathways associated with oral cancer progression. This study underscores the significant impact of EC use on oral health, highlighting alterations in the oral microbiome, bacterial composition, and metabolite profiles via a clinically relevant in vitro 3D organotypic model of human oral mucosa.

Health Care Provider E-Cigarette-Related Advice and E-Cigarette Harm Perceptions Among Youth.

Health care providers (HCP) are uniquely positioned to advise against electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, potentially influencing youth perceptions of e-cigarette harms. However, research examining these associations is scant. We examined whether HCP e-cigarette-related advice is associated with youth e-cigarette harm perceptions. Cross-sectional study. National Youth Tobacco Survey data (2022). 21,254 youth aged 9-18years. E-cigarette harm perceptions (i.e., relative addictiveness, occasional use harm, and secondhand e-cigarette aerosol (SHA) harm) and HCP advice to abstain from using e-cigarettes (yes/no) were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using multinomial logistic regression models. Among the sample, 33.9% perceived e-cigarettes as equally addictive to cigarettes, 39.9% perceived occasional e-cigarette use to cause a lot of harm, and 23.3% perceived SHA to cause a lot of harm. Youth who received HCP advice had higher odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as more addictive than cigarettes (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.35-2.00) and causing a lot of harm (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16-1.90). Youth who received HCP advice had higher odds of perceiving SHA causing little harm (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.44). HCP advice was associated with youth e-cigarette harm perceptions and perceptions that SHA causes little harm. HCP e-cigarette counseling may help inform understanding of harms, which may reduce or prevent use.

Abstract 4134475: Effects of E-cigarette Vaping on Endothelial Function in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Introduction: Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have been known to increase the risk of vascular complications, little is known about whether e-cig represents an independent risk factor for the development and worsening of obesity and its associated vascular diseases. We hypothesize that a high-fat diet (HFD) enhances e-cig-induced vascular complications. Methods: Male and female eight-week-old C57Bl/6J mice were fed normal chow (NC) or HFD for 15 weeks before being exposed to e-cigs (PG/VG only [PGVG] or PG/VG + 24 mg/ml nicotine [Nic]) or fresh air (FA) for 12 weeks (n=6-8). At the end of the experiments, glucose level and thoracic aortic responses to phenylephrine (PE), acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed via the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and wire myography, respectively. Total RNA from male aortas was extracted and RNA-seq was utilized to identify the transcriptomic changes in our diet-induced obesity mouse model subjected to e-cig vapors (n=4). Results: Compared to NC with FA, HFD alone caused glucose intolerance as shown by the GTT, which was improved only by exposure to nicotine-containing e-cigs (HFD+Nic). Similar improvement in glucose intolerance were found in the NC group with e-cigs (PGVG or Nic). In addition, both NC and HFD-fed male mice exhibited endothelial dysfunction characterized by a decrease in the ACh-dependent (endothelium) relaxation of PE-induced contractions. Importantly, nicotine-containing e-cig exposure (Nic) dramatically reduced the sensitivity of the aorta in the HFD group (HFD+Nic) to both ACh and SNP, while it only affected the sensitivity and maximum relaxation to ACh in the male NC group (NC+Nic). There were no significant differences in the vasoreactivity of female mice exposed to e-cig or HFD. Finally, RNA-seq results suggested that e-cig-treated male mice had altered expression of genes related to endothelial and smooth muscle function and metabolism, particularly fatty acid metabolism, which was also significant with the addition of HFD. Conclusion: Collectively, our results suggest that acute e-cig exposure results in significant vascular dysfunction in male mice, which is worsened in HFD mice. The identification of genes dysregulated in mice exposed to e-cigs provides novel insights into vascular biology and could have a significant impact on our understanding of vascular complications associated with e-cig usage and provide insights into its contributions to obesity and diabetes.

Variations in Adverse Events Typology Following E-Cigarette Use: The Role of Preexisting Medical Conditions

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking, yet evidence suggests potential health risks, especially among vulnerable populations. This study examines the immediate adverse events following e-cigarette use in individuals with preexisting health conditions to better understand these risks. Methods We conducted a STROBE-compliant observational study to identify specific preexisting medical conditions that may increase the risk of adverse events following e-cigarette use. A cross-sectional survey was deployed from January 3rd to March 3rd, 2023. A total of 4695 current and former e-cigarette users completed the survey. Logistic regression models were utilized to examine associations between 23 distinct preexisting conditions and 48 adverse events, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and income. Results The analysis encompassed 4,421 respondents, demonstrating that individuals with solid organ transplants faced notably pronounced risks, with odds ratios indicating a seven-fold increase in mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 7.05), nearly five-fold for heart palpitations (OR = 4.92), and heartburn (OR = 4.79). Stem cell transplantation recipients also showed significantly heightened risks for similar adverse events, including mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 5.53) and heart palpitations (OR = 4.65). Metabolic diseases were linked to substantially increased odds of mouth/tongue blisters (OR = 5.63), hair loss (OR = 4.09), and migraine (OR = 3.50), highlighting a specific vulnerability to e-cigarette aerosol exposure among these groups. Conclusion The findings highlight the acute health risks associated with e-cigarette use in individuals with certain preexisting conditions. These results challenge the notion that e-cigarette use poses limited harm to human health and highlight the need for tailored public health strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

Distinct Effects of Cigarette Smoke and e-Cigarette Aerosols on Inflammation and Stem Cell Proliferation in Clonal Hematopoiesis

Distinct Effects of Cigarette Smoke and e-Cigarette Aerosols on Inflammation and Stem Cell Proliferation in Clonal Hematopoiesis