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Niu Y, Yip CY, Pan KW, Mak JCW, Ko WH. Effect of Electronic Cigarette Vapour Exposure on Ca 2+- and cAMP-Dependent Ion Transport in Human Airway Epithelial Cells. Lung 2025; 203:48. [PMID: 40100414 PMCID: PMC11920333 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-025-00805-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has grown exponentially over the past few years, and teenagers now prefer them to tobacco cigarettes. We determined whether exposure to e-cigarette vapour (e-vapour) adversely affects ion transport using human airway epithelial cell lines 16HBE14o- and Calu-3 and well-differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEs). METHODS We concurrently measured fluorescent signals and short-circuit current (ISC), an indicator of electrogenic ion transport, in polarised epithelia. The P2Y receptor-mediated signalling pathway was used to induce an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ISC. We used a single-polypeptide fluorescence resonance energy transfer reporter based on exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac) to measure forskolin-induced changes in cAMP and ISC. RESULTS We compared the effects of e-vapour to those of traditional cigarette smoke (CS) on the human airway cell models. In all three cell types, e-vapour, similar to CS, significantly reduced agonist-induced increases in Ca2+ or cAMP signalling and ISC. However, reductions in the epithelial electrolyte transport activities did not correlate with any changes in the protein levels of various ion channels and transporters. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that e-vapour is not harmless and causes ion transport dysfunction similar to CS, thereby predisposing e-cigarette users to vaping-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Niu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung-Yin Yip
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ke-Wu Pan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Judith Choi-Wo Mak
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Hung Ko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rm. 607A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
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Love M, Gierer S. Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping in Allergic and Asthmatic Disease. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2022; 42:787-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Sun Q, Chen D, Raja A, Grunig G, Zelikoff J, Jin C. Downregulation of Stem-Loop Binding Protein by Nicotine via α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Its Role in Nicotine-Induced Cell Transformation. Toxicol Sci 2022; 189:186-202. [PMID: 35929799 PMCID: PMC9801712 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among the younger generations. Liquid nicotine is the main component of e-cigs. Previous studies have shown that mice exposed to e-cig aerosols developed lung adenocarcinoma and bladder hyperplasia. These findings implicated a potential role for e-cig aerosols and nicotine in cancer development, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that exposure to liquid nicotine or nicotine aerosol generated from e-cig induces downregulation of Stem-loop binding protein (SLBP) and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs in human bronchial epithelial cells and in mice lungs. Canonical histone mRNAs typically do not end in a poly(A) tail and the acquisition of such a tail via depletion of SLBP has been shown to causes chromosome instability. We show that nicotine-induced SLBP depletion is reversed by an inhibitor of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChR) or siRNA specific for α7-nAChR, indicating a nAChR-dependent reduction of SLBP by nicotine. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway is activated by nicotine exposure and CK2 and probably CDK1, 2 kinases well known for their function for SLBP phosphorylation and degradation, are shown to be involved, α7-nAChR-dependently, in nicotine-induced SLBP depletion. Importantly, nicotine-induced anchorage-independent cell growth is attenuated by inhibition of α7-nAChR and is rescued by overexpression of SLBP. We propose that the SLBP depletion and polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNAs via activation of α7-nAChR and a series of downstream signal transduction pathways are critical for nicotine-induced cell transformation and potential carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sun
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA,Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110013, China
| | - Danqi Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Amna Raja
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Gabriele Grunig
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA,Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Judith Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | - Chunyuan Jin
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341E 25th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA. E-mail:
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Chioran D, Sitaru A, Macasoi I, Pinzaru I, Sarau CA, Dehelean C, Dinu S, Szuhanek C, Zetu IN, Serafin AC, Rivis M, Poenaru M, Dragoi R. Nicotine Exerts Cytotoxic Effects in a Panel of Healthy Cell Lines and Strong Irritating Potential on Blood Vessels. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8881. [PMID: 35886732 PMCID: PMC9323709 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of tobacco products is a major global public health issue, as it is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. In addition, nicotine (NIC) is a key component of electronic and conventional cigarettes. Although nicotine's addictive potential is well known, its health effects are not entirely understood. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate its toxicological profile both in vitro, at the level of three healthy cell lines, and in ovo, at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane. Five different concentrations of nicotine were used in keratinocytes, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes for the purpose of evaluating cell viability, cell morphology, and its impact on nuclei. Additionally, the hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) method was used to assess the biocompatibility and irritant potential of the chorioallantoic membrane. Across all cell lines studied, nicotine was proven to be significantly damaging to cell viability, with the highest concentration tested resulting in less than 2% viable cells. Moreover, the morphology of cells changed dramatically, with alterations in their shape and confluence. Nicotine-induced cell death appears to be apoptotic, based on its impact on the nucleus. In addition, nicotine was also found to have a very strong irritating effect on the chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, nicotine has an extremely strong toxicological profile, as demonstrated by the drastic reduction of cell viability and the induction of morphological changes and nuclear alterations associated with cellular apoptosis. Additionally, the HET-CAM method led to the observation of a strong irritating effect associated with nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doina Chioran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Adrian Sitaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Ioana Macasoi
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Andrei Sarau
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Departament of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefania Dinu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Camelia Szuhanek
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Irina Nicoleta Zetu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iasi, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Andra Cristine Serafin
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Mircea Rivis
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.C.); (S.D.); (C.S.); (A.C.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Marioara Poenaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
| | - Razvan Dragoi
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.S.); (M.P.); (R.D.)
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Hernandez ML, Burbank AJ, Alexis NE, Rebuli ME, Hickman ED, Jaspers I, Guidos G. Electronic Cigarettes and Their Impact on Allergic Respiratory Diseases: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Environmental Exposures and Respiratory Health Committee. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:1142-1151. [PMID: 33547027 PMCID: PMC8232370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The explosive rise in popularity of electronic cigarette (e-cig) devices over the past decade has led to controversies over the role of these devices in smoking cessation and harm reduction from combustible cigarette smoking. Increased recognition of potential direct harms of e-cigs, including life-threatening and fatal cases of e-cig and vaping product use-associated lung injury, has emphasized the need to curb use until safety can be established. Of particular concern is the steep rise in e-cig use among teenagers and young adults who have never smoked and among individuals with underlying lung disease, such as asthma. In this report, we describe the different types of e-cig devices available, summarize the available data on the potential health benefits and detriments of e-cig use, and highlight the findings of studies examining e-cigs as smoking cessation tools. Because e-cigs have only gained popularity in the last few years, very few studies have been able to demonstrate an impact of e-cig use on harm reduction related to combustible cigarettes. Moreover, the health effects of e-cigs at a population level must be balanced against the harms of e-cig use, which include nicotine dependence and promoting initiation of cigarette use amongst "never smokers." With respect to smoking cessation, e-cigs appear to serve as switching products that may help individuals reduce or quit cigarette use, but do not address nicotine addiction. Finally, we discuss our recommendations for ways that health care providers can screen and counsel patients on e-cig use. The goal of this report is to provide health care providers with the most recent information on this topic so that they can educate patients on the potential pros and cons of e-cig use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Hernandez
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Allison J Burbank
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Neil E Alexis
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Meghan E Rebuli
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Elise D Hickman
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Guillermo Guidos
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bhatt JM, Ramphul M, Bush A. An update on controversies in e-cigarettes. Paediatr Respir Rev 2020; 36:75-86. [PMID: 33071065 PMCID: PMC7518964 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
E-cigarettes are electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) which mimic tobacco smoking without the combustion of tobacco. These devices have been misleadingly marketed as "less harmful" alternatives to conventional smoking tobacco products. The e-liquid in e-cigarettes include nicotine, a humectant and other additives including flavourings, colourants, or adulterants such as bacterial and fungal products. In this review, we discuss the contrasting views of the tobacco lobby and most professional societies. We describe the epidemiology of the use of these devices, with a widespread and significant rise in youth e-cigarette use seen in both the USA and Europe. We also describe what is known about the toxicity and mechanisms of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury). This characterised by respiratory failure with an intense inflammatory response. The presentations are diverse and clinicians should consider vaping as a possible cause of any unusual respiratory illness in patients who have a history of vaping or other use of e-cigarette-related products. Second hand exposure to e-cigarettes is also harmful through respiration and transdermal absorption. E-cigarettes have a worse acute toxicity than tobacco and their long-term toxicity is unknown, and we advocate for the immediate, most vigorous anti-vaping legislation possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh Mahendra Bhatt
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
| | - Manisha Ramphul
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Bush
- Paediatrics and Paediatric Respirology, National Heart and Lung Institute, United Kingdom; Paediatric Chest Physician, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, United Kingdom; Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, United Kingdom.
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Czick M, Shapter C, Shapter R. COVID's Razor: RAS Imbalance, the Common Denominator Across Disparate, Unexpected Aspects of COVID-19. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2020; 13:3169-3192. [PMID: 32982349 PMCID: PMC7495349 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s265518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A modern iteration of Occam's Razor posits that "the simplest explanation is usually correct." Coronavirus Disease 2019 involves widespread organ damage and uneven mortality demographics, deemed unexpected from what was originally thought to be "a straightforward respiratory virus." The simplest explanation is that both the expected and unexpected aspects of COVID-19 share a common mechanism. Silent hypoxia, atypical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), stroke, olfactory loss, myocarditis, and increased mortality rates in the elderly, in men, in African-Americans, and in patients with obesity, diabetes, and cancer-all bear the fingerprints of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance, suggesting that RAS is the common culprit. This article examines what RAS is and how it works, then from that baseline, the article presents the evidence suggesting RAS involvement in the disparate manifestations of COVID-19. Understanding the deeper workings of RAS helps one make sense of severe COVID-19. In addition, recognizing the role of RAS imbalance suggests potential routes to mitigate COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Czick
- University of Connecticut, Department of Anesthesia, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Robert Shapter
- Independent Consultant ( Medical Research, Medical Communications, and Medical Education), Hartford, CT, USA
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Balkissoon R. Journal Club-Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping as a Harm Reduction Alternative: Really? CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES-JOURNAL OF THE COPD FOUNDATION 2019; 6:281-291. [PMID: 31342733 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.6.3.2019.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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