Histological changes in the reproductive system of male rats exposed to cigarette smoke or electronic cigarette vapor

Inflammatory markers activation associated with vapor or smoke exposure in Wistar rats

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were introduced two decades ago as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, aiming to assist in smoking cessation. However, the global use of e-cigarettes has surged, with the highest prevalence among adolescents and young adults. Despite their popularity, the safety of e-cigarettes remains controversial, with emerging evidence linking their use to various health risks, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory diseases, and a condition known as e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI). In this study, we investigated the inflammatory response in rats exposed to e-cigarette vapor compared to traditional cigarette smoke. We measured the serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-2, TNF-α, GM-CS, IL-4, IL-9, IL-17F, IL-17A, IL-13, and IL-22 in the serum of rats subjected to 6 weeks of exposure. We assessed the activation of Nf-κb, Stat3, and Socs3 genes and the expression of CXCL2 in lung tissues. Our results revealed a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines, particularly in the vapor-exposed group. We did not observe any statistically significant difference in the activation levels of Nf-κb, Stat3, and Socs3 between the groups of rats, but we noted the predictable correlations between IL-22 and IL-2, IL-6 and IL-2, IL-9 and IL-2, IL-6 and IL-9, IL-22 and IL-17F, IL-6 and IL-17F, IL-6 and IL-5, IL-2 and IL-17F, IL-13 and IL-4, and IL-5 and IL-4. In IHC staining, we observed a higher number of CLCX2-positive cells in the lung tissues in groups 2 and 3 compared to the control group. Interestingly, after a 2-week cessation period, inflammatory markers largely normalized, except for IL-17F and IL-13, which remained elevated in the cigarette smoke-exposed group. Our results suggest that while e-cigarette use may trigger a potent inflammatory response, the effects may be reversible upon cessation, albeit with some cytokines persisting longer in traditional cigarette users. Although the immune response has normalized, the increased tendency toward lung fibrosis may lead to permanent structural changes. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the clinical implications of these findings and assist in implementing legal regulations regarding the availability of e-cigarettes in the market.

Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health

Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.

The impact of e-cigarette exposure on different organ systems: A review of recent evidence and future perspectives

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is rapidly increasing worldwide and is promoted as a smoking cessation tool. The impact of traditional cigs on human health has been well-defined in both animal and human studies. In contrast, little is known about the adverse effects of e-cigs exposure on human health. This review summarizes the impact of e-cigs exposure on different organ systems based on the rapidly expanding recent evidence from experimental and human studies. A number of growing studies have shown the adverse effects of e-cigs exposure on various organ systems. The summarized data in this review indicate that while e-cigs use causes less adverse effects on different organs compared to traditional cigs, its long-term exposure may lead to serious health effects. Data on short-term organ effects are limited and there is no sufficient evidence on long-term organ effects. Moreover, the adverse effects of secondhand and third hand e-cigs vapour exposure have not been thoroughly investigated in previous studies. Although some studies demonstrated e-cigs used as a smoking cessation tool, there is a lack of strong evidence to support it. While some researchers suggested e-cigs as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking, their long-term exposure health effects remain largely unknown. Therefore, more epidemiological and prospective studies including mechanistic studies are needed to address the potential adverse health effects of e-cigs to draw a firm conclusion about their safe use. A wide variation in e-cigs products and the lack of standardized testing methods are the major barriers to evaluating the existing data. Specific regulatory guidelines for both e-cigs components and the manufacturing process may be effective to protect consumer health.

The effect of smoking and electronic cigarettes on rat testicles

OBJECTIVE

After the negative effects of smoking on public health were proven, smoking cessation campaigns were initiated by health ministries and non-governmental organizations. Many drugs have been tried to reduce the addiction to smoking and the nicotine contained in it. Recently, e-cigarettes (EC) are widely used for smoking cessation efforts, although the effects and possible harms are not fully known. In our study, we planned to show the effect of cigarette and EC smoke on the male urogenital system.

METHODS

Adult male wistar rats were exposed to cigarette and EC smoke in a specially designed glass bell jar. Urine cotinine levels, testicular weights, gonadosomatic index, sperm count and sperm motility, testicular histology, and biochemical findings were compared with the control group.

RESULTS

In some rats in the cigarette and EC group, the seminiferous tubules were disorganized, and the germ cells and Sertoli cells were separated and shed. Stopped germ cell separation, cavity formation, necrosis, fibrosis, and atrophy were observed in severe cases. Higher PCO levels were found in the cigarette group compared to controls. Tissue homogenates levels of LPO were higher in both EC and cigarette groups compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of sperm motility and sperm count.

CONCLUSION

Cigarette and EC liquid can increase oxidative stress as well as cause morphological changes in the testicle. To be a safe option in smoking cessation studies, its effect on people needs to be enlightened.

An Overview of E-Cigarette Impact on Reproductive Health

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often considered a "safe substitute" for conventional cigarette cessation. The composition of the fluid is not always clearly defined and shows a large variation within brands and manufacturers. More than 80 compounds were detected in liquids and aerosols. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, and the addition of flavorings increases the toxicity of e-cigarette vapour in a significant manner. The heat generated by the e-cigarette leads to the oxidation and decomposition of its components, eventually forming harmful constituents in the inhaled vapour. The effects of these toxicants on male and female reproduction are well established in conventional cigarette smokers. Although toxins were measured at much lower levels in e-cigarette aerosols compared to smoke from a conventional cigarette, there are concerns about their potential impact on male and female reproduction. The information available was mainly obtained from studies conducted in animal models, and investigations in humans are scarce. However, the effects observed in animal models suggest that caution should be taken when vaping and that more research needs to be conducted to identify its potential adverse effects on fertility. The prevalence of e-cigarette usage is alarming, and warnings should be made about the impact of vaping on reproductive health. This document reviews the data regarding the impact of e-cigarette use on male and female reproduction.

The Effects of E-Cigarette Vapor Components on the Morphology and Function of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems: A Systematic Review

E-cigarettes, a comparatively new phenomenon, are regarded as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. They are increasingly popular among adolescents of both sexes, and many smokers use e-cigarettes in their attempts to quit smoking. There is little understanding of the effects of exposure to e-cigarette vapors on human reproductive health, human development, or the functioning of the organs of the male and female reproductive systems. Data on the effects of the exposure were derived mainly from animal studies, and they show that e-cigarettes can affect fertility. Here, we review recent studies on the effects of exposure to e-cigarettes on facets of morphology and function in the male and female reproductive organs. E-cigarettes, even those which are nicotine-free, contain many harmful substances, including endocrine disruptors, which disturb hormonal balance and morphology and the function of the reproductive organs. E-cigarettes cannot be considered a completely healthy alternative to smoking. As is true for smoking, deleterious effects on the human reproductive system from vaping are likely, from the limited evidence to date.