Chronic E-Cigarette Exposure Alters the Human Bronchial Epithelial Proteome

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Proteomics

Background:

• E-cigarettes vaporize propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG), nicotine, and flavorings.
• Long-term health effects of inhaling vaped e-liquids remain largely unknown.
• Investigating the impact of vaping on lung epithelia is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the effects of chronic e-cigarette use on pulmonary epithelial cells.
• To identify specific protein alterations in the airways of vapers compared to smokers and non-smokers.

Main Methods:

• Research bronchoscopies were performed on healthy non-smokers, cigarette smokers, and e-cigarette users (vapers).
• Bronchial brush biopsies and lavage samples were collected for proteomic analysis.
• In vitro and murine exposure models were utilized to validate human findings.

Main Results:

• Vaper airways appeared friable and erythematous upon visual inspection.
• Approximately 300 differentially expressed proteins were identified in vaper airways, with 113 unique to vapers.
• Propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin (PG/VG) alone increased mucin production and impaired cellular function.

Conclusions:

• Chronic vaping induces significant biological changes in the lung.
• The base components of e-liquids (PG/VG) appear to mediate some of these adverse effects.
• These vaping-induced changes may have clinical implications for chronic lung disease development.