E-cigarette constituents propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin decrease glucose uptake and its metabolism in airway
M Woodall1, J Jacob1, K K Kalsi1
1Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Tooting, London, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Physiology. Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
|September 30, 2020
Summary
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) using propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) impair airway cell glucose transport and metabolism. This suggests a mechanism for airway damage in e-cigarette users.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) use propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as carriers for nicotine and flavorings.
- Evidence suggests these carriers can reduce airway epithelial cell survival.
- The impact of PG and VG on airway cell glucose metabolism and barrier function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that PG and PG/VG mixtures inhibit glucose uptake in human airway epithelial cells.
- To determine the effects of PG and PG/VG on cellular metabolism, volume, and epithelial barrier function.
- To assess the impact of e-cigarette vapor containing PG/VG on airway epithelial glucose transport.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of H441 and human bronchiolar epithelial cells (HBECs) to PG and PG/VG solutions.
- Measurement of glucose uptake, mitochondrial ATP synthesis, and glycolysis.
- Assessment of cell volume, transepithelial electrical resistance, and solute permeability.
- Analysis of glucose transporter (GLUT1, GLUT10) function using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching.
- Application of PG/VG vapor to primary HBECs to mimic e-cigarette smoking.
Main Results:
- Short-term exposure to PG and PG/VG inhibited glucose uptake and mitochondrial ATP synthesis in airway cells.
- PG/VG reduced cell volume, decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, and increased solute permeability.
- Glucose transport function, specifically GLUT1 and GLUT10 activity, was compromised by PG/VG exposure.
- Puffing PG/VG vapor onto primary HBECs also reduced glucose transport, mimicking e-cigarette use.
Conclusions:
- Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, key e-cigarette components, decrease glucose transport and metabolism in airway epithelial cells.
- Reduced cell volume and membrane fluidity appear to be mechanisms underlying impaired glucose transport.
- These effects compromise epithelial barrier function and defensive properties, potentially contributing to airway damage in e-cigarette users.
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