A comparative study of electronic cigarette vapour extracts on airway-related cell lines in vitro

Laura J. Leslie*, Pranav Vasanthi Bathrinarayanan, Pamela Jackson, Justin A. Mabiala Ma Muanda, Ross Pallett, Christopher J.P. Stillman, Lindsay J. Marshall

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) is rapidly increasing worldwide; however, scientific evidence regarding EC cytotoxicity is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute cytotoxicity of EC vapor extract (ECE) on airway-related cells in vitro. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE), vapor extract of fifteen brands/flavors of ECs and the extract from the E-vehicle (propylene glycol and glycerin) was collected. Extracts, in concentrations of 100–12.5%, were added to human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B, IB3-1 and C38), fibroblast (Wi-38) and macrophage (J774 and THP-1) cell lines. Viability was assessed after 24 h using a standard XTT assay. Viability of <70% of control (no extract) was considered cytotoxic according to UNI EN ISO 10993-5 standards. CSE displayed a concentration-dependent influence on cell viability across all four cell lines with 100% producing the most toxic effect, therefore validating the model and indicating higher cytotoxicity than in ECEs. ECEs did reduce viability although this was not correlated with nicotine content or the E-vehicle. However, several flavors proved cytotoxic, with variation between different brands and cell lines. These data indicate that not all ECs are the same and that use of a particular flavor or brand may have differing effects. The cell line used is also an important factor. More research is crucial to ascertain the health effects of different ECs before they can be accepted as a safe alternative to tobacco cigarettes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)126-136
Number of pages11
JournalInhalation Toxicology
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 May 2017

Bibliographical note

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Inhalation Toxicology on 04/05/2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/08958378.2017.1318193.

Keywords

  • electronic cigarettes
  • airways
  • cytotoxicity
  • epithelials
  • in vitro models

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