摘要:
The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is continuously increasing both in the United States and the world as a whole. The lung epithelial cells and resident immune cells have an important role in maintaining the protective surfactant in the lungs, while macrophages play an important role in the immune response. Moreover, the balance of cell death, phagocytosis, and integrity of immune cells are crucial for the ability to properly respond to infectious challenges. Exposure to ENDS aerosol is associated with several adverse conditions like EVALI. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps pertaining to the mechanism of toxicity of ENDS and a full range of toxic effects. The purpose of our research study was to investigate the effect of ENDS on primary macrophages and epithelial cells to add to the scientific knowledge on the mechanism of toxicity of ENDS aerosol. To investigate the nature of cell death and measure the toxic effect associated with exposure to ENDS, we will perform a controlled exposure of cells to the ENDS vapor, while treating the other group of cells with HEPA-filtered air. To collect the data, we will perform flow cytometry. Finally, for the toxicological perspective on the vape automizer itself, which is a key component of the structural piece of the ENDS, we will perform a series of exposure experiments, followed by flow cytometry analysis. Results indicate that longer ENDS aerosol exposure induces greater pyroptotic activity and overall cell death in the sample of BMDMs. Moreover, longer incubation post- exposure gives macrophages time to respond to ENDS aerosol leading to stronger cell death and pyroptosis. Additionally, data indicate that the length of atomizer use is directly correlated to the degree of adverse response at a cellular level. These findings give us a new perspective on ENDS-associated toxic effects and, with further research, could play a role in the development of public health campaigns and development