Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur

Today, I would like to share another recent paper from the renowned journal, The Laryngoscope, regarding the short-term effects of e-cigarettes on our bodies. I firmly believe that both traditional cigarette smoking and its electronic counterpart pose significant harm to users and those in close proximity. It’s important to note that a majority of head and neck cancers are associated with cigarette smoking. Therefore, I urge you all to consider quitting smoking if you care about your health and the well-being of those around you.

https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.31043

Abstract

Objectives

The effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on the larynx are relatively unknown. This study examined the short-term effects of e-cigarette inhalation on cellular and inflammatory responses within the mouse laryngeal glottic and subglottic regions after exposure to pod-based devices (JUUL).

Methods

Male C57BL6/J mice (8–9 weeks) were assigned to control (n = 9), JUUL flavors Mint (JMi; n = 10) or Mango (JMa; n = 10). JUUL mice were exposed to 2 h/day for 1, 5, and 10 days using the inExpose inhalation system. Control mice were in room air. Vocal fold (VF) epithelial thickness, cell proliferation, subglandular area and composition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and surface topography were evaluated in the harvested larynges. Mouse body weight and urinary nicotine biomarkers were also measured. Chemical analysis of JUUL aerosols was conducted using selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

Results

JUUL-exposed mice had reduced body weight after day 5. Urinary nicotine biomarker levels indicated successful JUUL exposure and metabolism. Quantitative analysis of JUUL aerosol indicated that chemical constituents differ between JMi and JMa flavors. VF epithelial thickness, cellular proliferation, glandular area, and surface topography remained unchanged after JUUL exposures. Acidic mucus content increased after 1 day of JMi exposure. VF macrophage and T-cell levels slightly increased after 10 days of JMi exposures.

Conclusions

Short-term e-cigarette exposures cause minimal flavor- and region-specific cellular and inflammatory changes in the mouse larynx. This work provides a foundation for long-term studies to determine if these responses are altered with multiple e-cigarette components and concentrations.