How harmful are e-cigarettes to the head and neck cells?

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Cell Biology
• Oral Health

Background:

• Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly prevalent, necessitating research into their health effects.
• Understanding the cellular impact of e-cigarette use on head and neck tissues is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the toxicological effects of electronic cigarette use on head and neck cells.
• To synthesize existing research on the impact of varying nicotine concentrations from e-cigarettes on cellular health.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (Medline, CINAHL, SciFinder, Web of Science) and grey literature up to December 2020.
• Studies were selected based on clear PICOS criteria, with all study designs considered.
• Two independent reviewers screened 233 articles, retrieving 49 full-text articles for detailed analysis.

Main Results:

• Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising two clinical trials and sixteen in vitro studies.
• Exposure to electronic cigarettes, at various nicotine concentrations, resulted in altered head and neck cell size and shape.
• Significant reductions in cell viability and proliferation were observed in response to e-cigarette use.

Conclusions:

• Electronic cigarettes appear to induce damaging changes in head and neck cells.
• Despite being potentially less harmful than traditional tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes pose risks to cellular health in the head and neck region.