Investigation of the in vitro toxic effects induced by real-time aerosol of electronic cigarette solvents using microfluidic chips.

The safety of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as solvents in electronic cigarette liquid has received increasing attention and discussion. However, the conclusions derived from toxicity assessments conducted through animal experiments and traditional in vitro methodologies have consistently been contentious. This study constructed an original real-time aerosol exposure system, centered around a self-designed microfluidic bionic-lung chip, to assess the biological effects following exposure to aerosols from different solvents (PG, PG/VG mixture alone and PG/VG mixture in combination with nicotine) on BEAS-2B cells. The study aimed to investigate the impact of aerosols from different solvents on gene expression profiles, intracellular biomarkers (i.e., reactive oxygen species content, nitric oxide content, and caspase-3/7 activity), and extracellular biomarkers (i.e., IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde) of BEAS-2B cells on-chip. Transcriptome analyses suggest that ribosomal function could serve as a potential target for the impact of aerosols derived from various solvents on the biological responses of BEAS-2B cells on-chip. And the results showed that aerosols of PG/VG mixtures had significantly less effect on intracellular and extracellular biomarkers in BEAS-2B cells than aerosols of PG, whereas increasing nicotine levels might elevate these effects of aerosol from PG/VG mixture.

Subchronic inhalation of a novel electronic nicotine delivery system formulation and its corresponding base formulation.

BACKGROUND: Fresh Menthol 3% Nicotine (FM3) is a novel JUUL e-liquid formulation. Its potential toxicity and that of the corresponding base formulation relative to a filtered air (FA) control was studied in a subchronic inhalation study conducted in general accordance with OECD 413. METHODS: Aerosols generated with an intense puffing regime were administered to rats in a nose-only fashion at 1400 µg aerosol collected mass/L on a 6 hour/day basis for 90 days with a 42-day recovery. Exposure atmospheres met target criteria. Systemic exposure was confirmed by plasma measurement of nicotine. RESULTS: No test article-related mortality, clinical signs (other than reversible lower body weight gains in males), clinical pathology or gross findings were noted during this study. No microscopic lesions related to base formulation exposure were identified. Minimal microscopic lesions were observed in the FM3 6-hour exposure group. Microscopic lesions observed in the FM3 6-hour exposure group comprised only minimal laryngeal squamous metaplasia in one male and one female animal. No microscopic lesions related to FM3 exposure remained after the recovery period. CONCLUSION: Exposure atmosphere characterization indicated that conditions were achieved to permit thorough assessment of test articles and results indicate a low order of toxicity for the FM3 Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) formulation and its base formulation.

Exposure to nicotine regulates prostaglandin E2 secretion and autophagy of granulosa cells to retard follicular maturation in mammals.

Exposure to nicotine by cigarette smoking have shown strongly defectives on the physiological function of ovaries, which in turn leads to disorders of fertility in women. However, the potential molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we notably found that nicotine was likely to specifically raise the expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to promote the apoptosis and autophagy of granulosa cells (GCs) and block follicular maturation. Moreover, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibited the apoptosis of GCs and facilitated follicular maturation, and nicotine appeared to inhibit PGE2 secretion by freezing the expression of cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), which was the rate-limiting and essential enzyme for PGE2 synthesis. Epigenetically, the nicotine was observed to diminish the histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and compact the chromatin accessibility in -1776/-1499 bp region of COX1 by evoking the expression of HDAC3, with the deactivated Cas9-HDAC3/sgRNA system. Mechanistically, the COX1 protein was found to pick up and degrade the autophagy related protein beclin 1 (BECN1) to control the autophagy of GCs. These results provided a potential new molecular therapy to recover the damage of female fertility induced by nicotine from cigarette smoking.

Gut bacterium Burkholderia cepacia (BsNLG8) and immune gene Defensin A contribute to the resistance against Nicotine-induced stress in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco, is a potent neurotoxin extensively used to control Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a destructive insect pest of rice crops. The insect gut harbors a wide array of resident microorganisms that profoundly influence several biological processes, including host immunity. Maintaining an optimal gut microbiota and immune homeostasis requires a complex network of reciprocal regulatory interactions. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these symbiotic exchanges, particularly between specific gut microbe and immunity, remain largely unknown in insects. Our previous investigations identified and isolated a nicotine-degrading Burkholderia cepacia strain (BsNLG8) with antifungal properties. Building on those findings, we found that nicotine intake significantly increased the abundance of a symbiotic bacteria BsNLG8, induced a stronger bacteriostatic effect in hemolymph, and enhanced the nicotine tolerance of N. lugens. Additionally, nicotine-induced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. We adopted RNA-seq to explore the underlying immunological mechanisms in nicotine-stressed N. lugens. Bioinformatic analyses identified numerous differentially expressed immune genes, including recognition/immune activation (GRPs and Toll) and AMPs (i.e., Defensin, Lugensin, lysozyme). Temporal expression profiling (12, 24, and 48 hours) of immune genes revealed pattern recognition proteins and immune effectors as primary responders to nicotine-induced stress. Defensin A, a broad-spectrum immunomodulatory cationic peptide, exhibited significantly high expression. RNA interference-mediated silencing of Defensin A reduced the survival, enhanced nicotine sensitivity of N. lugens to nicotine, and decreased the abundance of BsNLG8. The reintroduction of BsNLG8 improved the expression of immune genes, aiding nicotine resistance of N. lugens. Our findings indicate a potential reciprocal immunomodulatory interaction between Defensin A and BsNLG8 under nicotine stress. Moreover, this study offers novel and valuable insights for future research into enhancing nicotine-based pest management programs and developing alternative biocontrol methods involving the implication of insect symbionts.

Low levels of nicotine and cotinine but not benzo[a]pyrene induce human trophoblast cell proliferation.

E-cigarettes use constitutes a source of thirdhand nicotine exposure. The increasing use of electronic cigarettes in homes and public places increases the risk of exposure of pregnant women to thirdhand nicotine. The effects of exposure of pregnant women to very low levels of nicotine have not been studied in humans but detrimental in experimental animals. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nanomolar concentrations of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine on the proliferation of JEG-3, a human trophoblast cell line. We also studied the proliferative effect of nanomolar concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic hydrocarbon in tobacco smoke, for comparison. We treated JEG-3 cells in culture with nanomolar concentrations of nicotine, cotinine, and B[a]P. Their effect on cell proliferation was determined, relative to untreated cells, by MTT assay. Western blotting was used to assess the mitogenic signaling pathways affected by nicotine and cotinine. In contrast to the inhibitory effects reported with higher concentrations, we showed that nanomolar concentrations of nicotine and cotinine resulted in significant JEG-3 cell proliferation and a rapid but transient increase in levels of phosphorylated ERK and AKT, but not STAT3. Biphasic, non-monotonic effect on cell growth is characteristic of endocrine disruptive chemicals like nicotine. The mitogenic effects of nicotine and cotinine potentially contribute to increased villous epithelial thickness, seen in placentas of some smoking mothers. This increases the diffusion distance for oxygen and nutrients between mother and fetus, contributing to intrauterine growth restriction in infants of smoking mothers.

Adolescent nicotine exposure induces long-term, sex-specific disturbances in mood and anxiety-related behavioral, neuronal and molecular phenotypes in the mesocorticolimbic system.

The majority of lifetime smokers begin using nicotine during adolescence, a critical period of brain development wherein neural circuits critical for mood, affect and cognition are vulnerable to drug-related insults. Specifically, brain regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus, are implicated in both nicotine dependence and pathological phenotypes linked to mood and anxiety disorders. Clinical studies report that females experience higher rates of mood/anxiety disorders and are more resistant to smoking cessation therapies, suggesting potential sex-specific responses to nicotine exposure and later-life neuropsychiatric risk. However, the potential neural and molecular mechanisms underlying such sex differences are not clear. In the present study, we compared the impacts of adolescent nicotine exposure in male vs. female rat cohorts. We performed a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological and targeted protein expression analyses along with matrix assisted laser deionization imaging (MALDI) immediately post-adolescent exposure and later in early adulthood. We report that adolescent nicotine exposure induced long-lasting anxiety/depressive-like behaviors, disrupted neuronal activity patterns in the mPFC-VTA network and molecular alterations in various neural regions linked to affect, anxiety and cognition. Remarkably, these phenotypes were only observed in males and/or were expressed in the opposite direction in females. These findings identify a series of novel, sex-selective biomarkers for adolescent nicotine-induced neuropsychiatric risk, persisting into adulthood.

E-Cigarette Exposure Alters Neuroinflammation Gene and Protein Expression in a Murine Model: Insights from Perinatally Exposed Offspring and Post-Birth Mothers.

The use of E-cigarettes, often considered a safer alternative to traditional smoking, has been associated with high rates of cellular toxicity, genetic alterations, and inflammation. Neuroinflammatory impacts of cigarette smoking during pregnancy have been associated with increased risks of adverse childhood health outcomes; however, it is still relatively unknown if the same propensity is conferred on offspring by maternal vaping during gestation. Results from our previous mouse inhalation studies suggest such a connection. In this earlier study, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed daily to inhaled E-cig aerosols (i.e., propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, [PG/VG]), with or without nicotine (16 mg/mL) by whole-body inhalation throughout gestation (3 h/d; 5 d/week; total ~3-week) and continuing postnatally from post-natal day (PND) 4-21. As neuroinflammation is involved in the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis and weight gain, this study aimed to explore genes associated with these pathways in 1-mo.-old offspring (equivalent in humans to 12-18 years of age). Results in the offspring demonstrated a significant increase in glucose metabolism protein levels in both treatment groups compared to filtered air controls. Gene expression analysis in the hypothalamus of 1 mo. old offspring exposed perinatally to E-cig aerosols, with and without nicotine, revealed significantly increased gene expression changes in multiple genes associated with neuroinflammation. In a second proof-of-principal parallel study employing the same experimental design, we shifted our focus to the hippocampus of the postpartum mothers. We targeted the mRNA levels of several neurotrophic factors (NTFs) indicative of neuroinflammation. While there were suggestive changes in mRNA expression in this study, levels failed to reach statistical significance. These studies highlight the need for ongoing research on E-cig-induced alterations in neuroinflammatory pathways.

Chronic nicotine exposure is associated with electrophysiological and sympathetic remodeling in the intact rabbit heart.

Nicotine is the primary addictive component of tobacco products. Through its actions on the heart and autonomic nervous system, nicotine exposure is associated with electrophysiological changes and increased arrhythmia susceptibility. To assess the underlying mechanisms, we treated rabbits with transdermal nicotine (NIC, 21 mg/day) or control (CT) patches for 28 days before performing dual optical mapping of transmembrane potential (RH237) and intracellular Ca2+ (Rhod-2 AM) in isolated hearts with intact sympathetic innervation. Sympathetic nerve stimulation (SNS) was performed at the first to third thoracic vertebrae, and ß-adrenergic responsiveness was additionally evaluated following norepinephrine (NE) perfusion. Baseline ex vivo heart rate (HR) and SNS stimulation threshold were higher in NIC versus CT (P = 0.004 and P = 0.003, respectively). Action potential duration alternans emerged at longer pacing cycle lengths (PCL) in NIC versus CT at baseline (P = 0.002) and during SNS (P = 0.0003), with similar results obtained for Ca2+ transient alternans. SNS shortened the PCL at which alternans emerged in CT but not in NIC hearts. NIC-exposed hearts tended to have slower and reduced HR responses to NE perfusion, but ventricular responses to NE were comparable between groups. Although fibrosis was unaltered, NIC hearts had lower sympathetic nerve density (P = 0.03) but no difference in NE content versus CT. These results suggest both sympathetic hypoinnervation of the myocardium and regional differences in ß-adrenergic responsiveness with NIC. This autonomic remodeling may contribute to the increased risk of arrhythmias associated with nicotine exposure, which may be further exacerbated with long-term use.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we show that chronic nicotine exposure was associated with increased heart rate, increased susceptibility to alternans, and reduced sympathetic electrophysiological responses in the intact rabbit heart. We suggest that this was due to sympathetic hypoinnervation of the myocardium and diminished ß-adrenergic responsiveness of the sinoatrial node following nicotine treatment. Though these differences did not result in increased arrhythmia propensity in our study, we hypothesize that prolonged nicotine exposure may exacerbate this proarrhythmic remodeling.

Nicotine downregulates miR-375-3p via neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 2 to enhance the malignant behaviors of laryngopharyngeal squamous epithelial cells.

Nicotine exposure from smoking constitutes a significant global public health concern. Furthermore, smoking represents a pivotal risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the influence of nicotine on HNSCC remains relatively underexplored. Our aim was to unravel the molecular mechanisms that underlie the effect of nicotine on the metastatic cascade of HNSCC. In this study, we discovered a significant association between smoking and HNSCC metastasis and prognosis. Nicotine significantly enhanced HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Analysis of TCGA-HNSCC and FDEENT-HNSCC cohorts revealed reduced miR-375-3p levels in HNSCC tumor tissues, particularly among current smokers. Additionally, miR-375-3p level was strongly correlated with both lymph node metastasis and tumor stage. By downregulating miR-375-3p, nicotine promotes HNSCC cell metastasis in vitro and hematogenous metastatic capacity in vivo. Utilizing transcriptomic sequencing, molecular docking, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we demonstrated that miR-375-3p specifically binds to 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of NTRK2 mRNA. Thus, this study uncovers a novel nicotine-induced mechanism involving miR-375-3p-mediated NTRK2 targeting, which promotes HNSCC metastasis. These findings have implications for improving the prognosis of patients with HNSCC, especially in smokers.

Maternal nicotine exposure promotes hippocampal CeRNA-mediated excitotoxicity and social barriers in adolescent offspring mice.

Nicotine, an addictive component of cigarettes, causes cognitive defects, particularly when exposure occurs early in life. However, the exact mechanism through which nicotine causes toxicity and alters synaptic plasticity is still not fully understood. The aim of the current study is to examine how non-coding developmental regulatory RNA impacts the hippocampus of mice offspring whose mothers were exposed to nicotine. Female C57BL/6J mice were given nicotine water from one week before pregnancy until end of lactation. Hippocampal tissue from offspring at 20 days post-birth was used for LncRNA and mRNA microarray analysis. Differential expression of LncRNAs and mRNAs associated with neuronal development were screened and validated, and the CeRNA pathway mediating neuronal synaptic plasticity GM13530/miR-7119-3p/mef2c was predicted using LncBase Predicted v.2. Using protein immunoblotting, Golgi staining and behavioral tests, our findings revealed that nicotine exposure in offspring mice increased hippocampal NMDAR receptor, activated receptor-dependent calcium channels, enhanced the formation of NMDAR/nNOS/PSD95 ternary complexes, increased NO synthesis, mediated p38 activation, induced neuronal excitability toxicity. Furthermore, an epigenetic CeRNA regulatory mechanism was identified, which suppresses Mef2c-mediated synaptic plasticity and leads to modifications in the learning and social behavior of the offspring during adolescence. This study uncovers the way in which maternal nicotine exposure results in neurotoxicity in offspring.

In vitro toxicological evaluation of aerosols generated by a 4th generation vaping device using nicotine salts in an air-liquid interface system.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarettes (EC) have gained popularity, especially among young people, with the introduction of fourth-generation devices based on e-liquids containing nicotine salts that promise a smoother vaping experience than freebase nicotine. However, the toxicological effects of nicotine salts are still largely unknown, and the chemical diversity of e-liquids limits the comparison between different studies to determine the contribution of each compound to the cytotoxicity of EC aerosols. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological profile of controlled composition e-liquid aerosols to accurately determine the effects of each ingredient based on exposure at the air-liquid interface. METHODS: Human lung epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to undiluted aerosols of controlled composition e-liquids containing various ratios of propylene glycol (PG)/vegetable glycerin (VG) solvents, freebase nicotine, organic acids, nicotine salts, and flavoured commercial e-liquids. Exposure of 20 puffs was performed at the air-liquid interface following a standard vaping regimen. Toxicological outcomes, including cytotoxicity, inflammation, and oxidative stress, were assessed 24 h after exposure. RESULTS: PG/VG aerosols elicited a strong cytotoxic response characterised by a 50% decrease in cell viability and a 200% increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) production, but had no effects on inflammation and oxidative stress. These effects occurred only at a ratio of 70/30 PG/VG, suggesting that PG is the major contributor to aerosol cytotoxicity. Both freebase nicotine and organic acids had no greater effect on cell viability and LDH release than at a 70/30 PG/VG ratio, but significantly increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Interestingly, the protonated form of nicotine in salt showed a stronger proinflammatory effect than the freebase nicotine form, while benzoic acid-based nicotine salts also induced significant oxidative stress. Flavoured commercial e-liquids was found to be cytotoxic at a threshold dose of ≈ 330 µg/cm². CONCLUSION: Our results showed that aerosols of e-liquids consisting only of PG/VG solvents can cause severe cytotoxicity depending on the concentration of PG, while nicotine salts elicit a stronger pro-inflammatory response than freebase nicotine. Overall, aerosols from fourth-generation devices can cause different toxicological effects, the nature of which depends on the chemical composition of the e-liquid.

Tobacco and menthol flavored nicotine-free electronic cigarettes induced inflammation and dysregulated repair in lung fibroblast and epithelium.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (e-cig) vaping has increased in the past decade in the US, and e-cig use is misleadingly marketed as a safe cessation for quitting smoking. The main constituents in e-liquid are humectants, such as propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), but different flavoring chemicals are also used. However, the toxicology profile of flavored e-cigs in the pulmonary tract is lacking. We hypothesized that menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cig (nicotine-free) exposure results in inflammatory responses and dysregulated repair in lung fibroblast and epithelium. METHOD: We exposed lung fibroblast (HFL-1) and epithelium (BEAS-2B) to Air, PG/VG, menthol flavored, or tobacco-flavored e-cig, and determined the cytotoxicity, inflammation, and wound healing ability in 2D cells and 3D microtissue chip models. RESULTS: After exposure, HFL-1 showed decreased cell number with increased IL-8 levels in the tobacco flavor group compared to air. BEAS-2B also showed increased IL-8 secretion after PG/VG and tobacco flavor exposure, while menthol flavor exposure showed no change. Both menthol and tobacco-flavored e-cig exposure showed decreased protein abundance of type 1 collagen α 1 (COL1A1), α-smooth-muscle actin (αSMA), and fibronectin as well as decreased gene expression level of αSMA (Acta2) in HFL-1. After tobacco flavor e-cig exposure, HFL-1 mediated wound healing and tissue contractility were inhibited. Furthermore, BEAS-2B exposed to menthol flavor showed significantly decreased tight junction gene expressions, such as CDH1, OCLN, and TJP1. CONCLUSION: Overall, tobacco-flavored e-cig exposure induces inflammation in both epithelium and fibroblasts, and tobacco-flavored e-cig inhibits wound healing ability in fibroblasts.

Tobacco-derived and tobacco-free nicotine cause differential inflammatory cell influx and MMP-9 in mouse lung.

BACKGROUND: Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) aerosolize an e-liquid composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as humectants, flavoring chemicals, and nicotine. Nicotine naturally occurs in two isomers R- and S-nicotine, with tobacco-derived nicotine (TDN) composed of S-nicotine, and tobacco-free/synthetic nicotine (TFN) composed of a racemic mixture of R- and S-nicotine. Currently, there is limited knowledge of the potential differences in the toxicity of TFN versus TDN. We hypothesized that exposure of TFN and TDN salts to C57BL/6J mice would result in a differential response in lung inflammation and protease/ antiprotease imbalance. METHODS: Five-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to air, PG/VG, PG/VG with TFN salts (TFN), or PG/VG with TDN salts (TDN) by nose-only exposure. Lung inflammatory cell counts, cytokine/chemokine levels, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein abundance and activity levels were determined by flow cytometry, ELISA, immunoblotting, and gel zymography, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure to the humectants (PG/VG) alone increased cytokine levels- IL-6, KC, and MCP-1 in the BALF and KC levels in lung homogenate of exposed mice. While no change was observed in the cytokine levels in lung homogenate of TDN aerosol exposed mice, exposure to TFN aerosols resulted in an increase in KC levels in the lungs of these mice compared to air controls. Interestingly, exposure to TDN aerosols increased MMP-9 protein abundance in the lungs of female mice, while exposure to TFN aerosol showed no change. The metabolism of nicotine or the clearance of cotinine for TFN exposure may differ from that for TDN. CONCLUSION: Exposure to humectants, PG/VG alone, induces an inflammatory response in C57BL/6J mice. TFN and TDN salts show distinct changes in inflammatory responses and lung proteases on acute exposures. These data suggest variable toxicological profiles of the two forms of nicotine in vivo. Future work is thus warranted to delineate the harmful effects of synthetic/natural nicotine with humectants to determine the potential toxicological risks for users.

Cell signaling and epigenetic regulation of nicotine-induced carcinogenesis.

Nicotine, a naturally occurring tobacco alkaloid responsible for tobacco addiction, has long been considered non-carcinogenic. However, emerging evidence suggests that nicotine may possess carcinogenic properties in mice and could be a potential carcinogen in humans. This review aims to summarize the potential molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine-induced carcinogenesis, with a specific focus on epigenetic regulation and the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in addition to genotoxicity and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we explore a novel hypothesis regarding nicotine's carcinogenicity involving the downregulation of stem-loop binding protein (SLBP), a critical regulator of canonical histone mRNA, and the polyadenylation of canonical histone mRNA. By shedding light on these mechanisms, this review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the carcinogenic potential of nicotine and its implications for human health.

Electronic vape fluid activates the pulmonary endothelium and disrupts vascular integrity in vitro through an ARF6-dependent pathway.

The use of e-cigarettes or vapes is increasingly popular amongst a range of different demographics however the research in this area is surprisingly sparse. Clinical reports of e-cigarette- or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and vascular disruption, in both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-cigarette smokers, prompts the need for further research with a focus on the pulmonary endothelium. Using a common brand of e-cigarette (eVape) and an in vitro model of the human lung microvasculature, we investigated the effect of nicotine-free eVape fluid on pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity, oxidative stress and inflammation profile. Findings demonstrate reactive oxygen species-dependent breakdown of the pulmonary endothelium and release of inflammatory cytokines. These phenotypic changes, following exposure to nicotine-free eVape fluid, were accompanied by dysregulation of a number of adheren junctions-related genes of which ARF6 was most abundantly overexpressed. Further investigation of ARF6 identified it as a key regulator in eVape-induced barrier disruption and ROS accumulation. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the barrier disruptive effect of nicotine-free e-cigarette fluid on the pulmonary microvasculature and the ARF6 and ROS-dependent molecular mechanisms underlying this damage. Whilst these studies focus on a human in vitro model of the pulmonary microvasculature, the results support clinical case studies on EVALI and demonstrate a need for further investigation of the impact of nicotine-free e-cigarettes on the lung.

GCF2 mediates nicotine-induced cancer stemness and progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cigarette smoking is one of the most impactful behavior-related risk factors for multiple cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nicotine, as the principal component of tobacco, is not only responsible for smoking addiction but also a carcinogen; nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we report that nicotine enhances HCC cancer stemness and malignant progression by upregulating the expression of GC-rich binding factor 2 (GCF2), a gene that was revealed to be upregulated in HCC and whose upregulation predicts poor prognosis, and subsequently activating the Wnt/ꞵ-catenin/SOX2 signaling pathway. We found that nicotine significantly increased GCF2 expression and that silencing of GCF2 reduced nicotine-induced cancer stemness and progression. Mechanistically, nicotine could stabilize the protein level of GCF2, and then GCF2 could robustly activate its downstream Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our results thus suggest that GCF2 is a potential target for a therapeutic strategy against nicotine-promoted HCC.

Cell death induced by nicotine in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells is mainly attributed to cytoplasmic vacuolation originating from the trans-Golgi network.

Humans are usually exposed to nicotine through the use of tobacco products. Although it is generally believed that nicotine is relatively harmless in tobacco consumption, it is, in fact, a toxic substance that warrants careful consideration of its potential toxicity. However, the current understanding of the neurotoxicity of nicotine is still very limited. In this study, we aim to reveal the toxic risk of nicotine to key target neuronal cells and its potential toxic mechanisms. The results showed that nicotine induced cell death, ROS increase, mitochondrial membrane potential decrease, and DNA damage in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells at millimolar concentrations, but did not cause toxic effects at the physiological concentration. These toxic effects were accompanied by cytoplasmic vacuolation. The inhibition of cytoplasmic vacuolation by bafilomycin A1 greatly reduced nicotine-induced cell death, indicating that cytoplasmic vacuolation is the key driving factor of cell death. These cytoplasmic vacuoles originated from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and expressed microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and lysosomal associated membrane protein 1(LAMP1). The presence of LC3-II and LAMP1 within these vacuoles serves as evidence of compromised TGN structure and function. These findings provide valuable new insights into the potential neurotoxic risk and mechanisms of nicotine.

A review on the effect of COX-2-mediated mechanisms on development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine.

Smoking is a documented risk factor for cancer, e.g., gastric cancer. Nicotine, the principal tobacco alkaloid, would exert its role of contribution to gastric cancer development and progression through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and ß-adrenergic receptors (ß-ARs), which then promote cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. As a key isoenzyme in conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been demonstrated to have a wide range of effects in carcinogenesis and tumor development. At present, many studies have reported the effect of nicotine on gastric cancer by binding to nAChR, as well as indirectly stimulating ß-AR to mediate COX-2-related pathways. This review summarizes these studies, and also proposes more potential COX-2-mediated mechanisms. These events might contribute to the growth and progression of gastric cancer exposed to nicotine through tobacco smoke or cigarette substitutes. Also, this review article has therefore the potential not only to make a significant contribution to the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer for smokers but also to the clinical application of COX-2 antagonists. In addition, this work also discusses the considerable challenges of this field with special reference to the future perspective of COX-2-mediated mechanisms in development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine.

Dexpanthenol protects against nicotine-induced kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Dexpanthenol (DEX), a subtype of vitamin B5, plays an important role in anabolic reactions, cellular energy and regeneration in the body. Nicotine has been shown to induce kidney damage through the mechanisms of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of DEX against nicotine-induced kidney damage through modulation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Male rats were intraperitoneally administered with 0.5 mg/kg/day nicotine and/or 500 mg/kg/day DEX for 8 weeks. Following administration, renal function tests were conducted on serum samples, and histopathological examinations and analysis of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were performed on tissue samples. Protein levels of Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, Bcl-xL, and Caspase-9 were also evaluated. Nicotine administration resulted in decreased protein levels of p-Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, and Bcl-xL and increased Caspase-9 protein levels. In addition, nicotine administration caused an increase in MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and a decrease in GSH, GSH-Px, GST, CAT, SOD, and TAS levels. Additionally, BUN and Creatinine levels increased after nicotine administration. DEX administration positively regulated these parameters and brought them closer to control levels. Nicotine-induced kidney injury caused apoptosis and oxidative stress through Caspase-9 activation. DEX effectively prevented nicotine-induced kidney damage by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and regulating apoptosis through Bcl-xL activation. These findings suggest that DEX has potential as a protective agent against nicotine-induced kidney damage.

The Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Maternal Nicotine Exposure in the Liver of Offspring Mice.

This study aims to investigate the effect of maternal nicotine exposure on the gene expression profiles in the liver of offspring mice. Pregnant mice were subcutaneously injected with either saline vehicle or nicotine twice a day on gestational days 11-21. Total RNA from the liver samples which collected from the offspring mice of postnatal day 7 and 21 was subjected to RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to identify the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Four genes were selected for further validation by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 448 DEGs and 186 DEGs were identified on postnatal day 7 and 21, respectively. GO analysis revealed that the DEGs on postnatal day 7 mainly participated in the biological functions of cell growth and proliferation, and the DEGs on postnatal day 21 mainly participated in ion transport/activity. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs on postnatal day 7 were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the p53 signaling pathway, while the DEGs on postnatal day 21 were mainly enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, the calcium signaling pathway, retinol metabolism, and axon guidance. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the RNA sequencing data. The DEGs may affect the growth of liver in early postnatal period while may affect ion transport/activity in late postnatal period.