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A Microcontroller Operated Device for the Generation of Liquid Extracts from Conventional Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
Published on: January 18, 2018
Mitochondrial Stress Response in Neural Stem Cells Exposed to Electronic Cigarettes
Atena Zahedi1, Rattapol Phandthong2, Angela Chaili3
1Bioengineering Department, University of California, Riverside CA 92521, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside CA 92521, USA; UCR Stem Cell Center and Core, University of California, Riverside CA 92521, USA.
Abstract:
Stem cells provide a sensitive model to study exposure to toxicants, such as cigarette smoke. Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are popular nicotine delivery devices, often targeted to youth and pregnant mothers. However, little is known about how chemicals in ECs might affect neural stem cells, and in particular their mitochondria, organelles that maintain cell functionality and health. Here we show that the mechanism underlying EC-induced stem cell toxicity is stress-induced mitochondrial hyperfusion (SIMH), a transient survival response accompanied by increased mitochondrial oxidative stress. We identify SIMH as a survival response to nicotine, now widely available in EC refill fluids and in pure form for do-it-yourself EC products. These observed mitochondrial alterations combined with autophagy dysfunction to clear damaged mitochondria could lead to faulty stem cell populations, accelerate cellular aging, and lead to acquired mitochondriopathies. Any nicotine-containing product may likewise stress stem cells with long-term repercussions for users and passively exposed individuals. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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