Project description:Electronic cigarettes (EC) are increasing in popularity, but there is only little information on their biologic effects on the oral epithelium, the initial site exposed to EC smoke. We assessed the oral epithelium response to EC by comparing the histology and RNA transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) of healthy EC vapers to nonsmokers (NS). mRNA was assessed based on: (1) genome-wide; (2) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the oral epithelium of EC vapers vs NS; (3) immune and inflammatory-related genes previously identified as dysregulated in the nasal epithelium of EC vapers compared to NS; (4) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the small airway epithelium of NS following an acute exposure to EC; and (5) genes related to the initial steps of COVID-19 infection. In addition, miRNA was assessed genome-wide. Comparisons were performed using ANOVA, and Benajmini-Hochberg corrected p <0.05 was considered significant. The histology of the epithelium, lamina propria and basal layer in EC vapers appeared normal. Assessment of mRNA and miRNA, based on all gene lists, did not identify any genes significantly modified in the oral epithelium of EC vapers. Assessment of the oral epithelium of healthy EC vapers by histology, mRNA and miRNA demonstrated no abnormalities in response to EC smoke.
Project description:Background: While electronic cigarette (ECIG) use is rapidly rising, their safety profile remains uncertain. The effects of tobacco cigarette (TCIG) smoke on bronchial airway epithelial gene-expression have provided insights into tobacco-related disease pathogenesis. Understanding the impact of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) on airway gene-expression could provide insights into their potential long-term health effects. Objectives: We sought to compare the bronchial airway gene-expression profiles of former TCIG smokers now using ECIGs with the profiles of former and current TCIG smokers. Methods: We performed gene-expression profiling of bronchial epithelial cells collected from TCIG smokers not using ECIGs (n=21), former smokers using ECIGs (n=15), and current TCIG smokers not using ECIGs (n=9). We then compared our findings with previous studies of the effects of TCIG use on bronchial epithelium, as well an in vitro model of ECIG exposure. Results: Amongst 3,165 genes whose expression varied between the three study groups (q < 0.05), we identified 468 genes significantly altered in ECIG users relative to former smokers (p < 0.05). 79 of these genes were up or down-regulated concordantly between ECIG and TCIG. We did not detect ECIG-associated gene expression changes in known pathways associated with TCIG usage. Genes downregulated in ECIG users are enriched among the genes most downregulated by exposure of airway epithelium to ECIG vapor in vitro. Conclusions: TCIG exposure was associated with a larger number of airway gene-expression changes than with ECIG exposures. ECIGs induce both distinct and shared patterns of gene expression relative to TCIGs in the bronchial airway epithelium.
Project description:BackgroundElectronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity, but there is only little information on their biologic effects on the oral epithelium, the initial site exposed to electronic cigarette smoke.MethodsWe assessed the oral epithelium response to electronic cigarettes by comparing the histology and RNA transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) of healthy electronic cigarette vapers to nonsmokers. mRNA was assessed based on: (1) genome-wide; (2) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers versus nonsmokers; (3) immune and inflammatory-related genes previously identified as dysregulated in the nasal epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers compared to nonsmokers; (4) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the small airway epithelium of nonsmokers following an acute exposure to electronic cigarette; and (5) genes related to the initial steps of COVID-19 infection. In addition, miRNA was assessed genome-wide. Comparisons were performed using analysis of variance, and Benajmini-Hochberg corrected p < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe histology of the epithelium, lamina propria and basal layer in electronic cigarette vapers appeared normal. Assessment of mRNA and miRNA, based on all gene lists, did not identify any genes significantly modified in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers in response to electronic cigarette use.ConclusionAn average history of 2 years of vaping results in no detectable histologic or transcriptome abnormalities in the buccal mucosa.
Project description:Exposure to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) aerosol has been linked to a number of health concerns, including DNA damage, elevated oxidative stress, release of inflammatory cytokine, and dysfunctions in epithelial barriers. However, little is known about the effect of exclusive e-cigarette use on expression profiles of exosomal miRNAs, which play critical regulatory roles in many inflammatory responses and disease process including cancer. We aim to compare the exosomal microRNAs expression profile between exclusive e-cigarette users and normal controls without any tobacco product use (non-users). Using blood and urine samples from exclusive e-cigarette users and non-users in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Wave 1 study (2013-2014), we examined exosomal microRNAs expression levels through Illumina NextSeq 500/550 sequencing. We identified microRNAs that have significantly higher expression levels in exclusive e-cigarette users than non-users. Gene enrichment analysis of these significant exosomal microRNAs showed their involvement in cancer related pathways, which might indicate a potential elevated risk of cancer among exclusive e-cigarette users.
Project description:Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) cases have increased with the popularity of e-cigarettes in the mostly young, healthy population. Some common symptoms associated with EVALI include shortness of breath and chest pain, and the most common diagnostic imaging findings are organizing pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage seen on computed tomography (CT). Pneumomediastinum is a known sequela of EVALI.1 In the setting of pneumomediastinum in EVALI, EVALI is a diagnosis of exclusion, so other sources of pneumomediastinum need to be evaluated. EVALI has diverse presentations, and this case is a unique representation of a disease process that is becoming more commonplace with the increase in popularity of vaping. It is important to be aware of the clinical symptoms of EVALI, which can be nonspecific and can include gastrointestinal symptoms along with respiratory symptoms. It is equally important to recognize the diverse image findings of EVALI, which can include subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. In this case, pneumomediastinum is seen in EVALI, and the patient was successfully treated with empiric antibiotic coverage, steroids, and conservative measures- making sure to limit any coughing or increases in intrathoracic pressure that can cause worsening of pneumomediastinum.TopicsEVALI, vaping, pneumomediastinum, E-cigarette, ground-glass opacity.
Project description:Background: E-cigarette popularity is on the rise in youth and young adults, with mounting concerns regarding the long-term safety of these devices. Cell culture and animal models have highlighted the damaging potential of e-cigarettes, but to date there is a lack of data from human lung tissue to corroborate these findings. Methods: Using human lung tissue obtained during a bullectomy in young adults, we performed RNA-sequencing to uncover e-cigarette related changes to the human lung transcriptome. Information on e-cigarette use habits was collected via questionnaire. Samples included in study: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S7, S9, S10, S12, S13, S14, S16, S17, S18, S19, S21
Project description:In the summer of 2019, there was a rise in clusters of adolescents and young adults in the United States reporting to emergency departments with acute respiratory distress related to use of e-cigarette (electronic cigarette) or vaping. The number of patients with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury continued to rise through the summer before peaking in September 2019. Through the efforts of state and federal public health agencies, officials were able to define the condition, identify the relationship of the respiratory injury to tetrahydrocannabinol-containing products, and stem the rise in new cases. In this report, we present a comprehensive review of the clinical characteristics and features of patients with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury and guidelines for patient care and management to inform and navigate clinicians who may encounter these patients in their clinical practice.