Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Microgavage of Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: February 20, 2013
E-cigarette vapor alters gut microbiota composition in zebrafish
Thi Ngoc Mai Dong1, Delbert Almerick T Boncan2, Carl Andersen Macaraeg Tan3
1Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan; Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Toxicology, Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vapor, with or without nicotine, significantly alters gut bacteria and zebrafish behavior. This research indicates potential toxicity and neurobehavioral effects from e-cigarette use.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional tobacco.
- The health implications of e-cigarette use are not yet fully understood.
- Zebrafish serve as a valuable model organism for studying the biological effects of environmental exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of e-cigarette vapor exposure on gut microbiota composition and behavior in adult zebrafish.
- To differentiate the effects of nicotine-free versus nicotine-containing e-cigarette vapor.
- To assess potential neurobehavioral changes induced by e-cigarette vapor.
Main Methods:
- Adult zebrafish were exposed to e-cigarette vapor (nicotine-free and nicotine-containing).
- Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Microbial metabolic pathways were identified using MetaCyc analysis.
- Locomotor activity and behavioral responses to stimuli were assessed.
Main Results:
- E-cigarette vapor exposure induced significant shifts in gut microbial communities.
- Nicotine-free vapor enriched Shewanellaceae and Barnesiellaceae; nicotine-containing vapor reduced Fusobacteriaceae and increased Vibrionaceae.
- Metabolic pathway analysis revealed enrichment in xenobiotic degradation and oxidative stress responses.
- Both exposure groups exhibited altered locomotor activity and reduced behavioral responses, suggesting neurobehavioral effects.
Conclusions:
- E-cigarette vapor, regardless of nicotine content, can disrupt gut microbiota homeostasis.
- The findings suggest potential toxicity and neurobehavioral dysregulation associated with e-cigarette use.
- There is a need to re-evaluate the safety and regulation of e-cigarette products.
