Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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COMPARATIVE IN VITRO AND IN OVO STUDY OF THE CYTOTOXIC PROFILE OF NICOTINE FROM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES VERSUS CHEWING GUM

RADU GHEORGHE DAN 1#, IUSTIN OLARU 2#, CORINA PAUL 1*, EUGEN RADU BOIA 1, IOANA MACASOI 3,4, DANIEL BREBAN-SCHWARZKOPF 5, OCTAVIAN MARIUS CREȚU 1, SORIN DAN CHIRIAC 1, PETRU MERGHES 6, RAUL CHIOIBAS 1

1Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041, Timișoara, Romania
2 Faculty of Dentistry, “Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Liviu Rebreanu Street, no. 86, 310414, Arad, Romania
3 Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041, Timișoara, Romania
4 Research Centre for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041, No. 2, Timișoara, Romania
5 Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Revoluției 1989 Bvd, No. 9, 300041, Timișoara, Romania
6 University of Life Science “King Michael I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, Timisoara, Romania

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This study aimed to assess and compare the cytotoxic and vascular effects of e-liquid used in electronic cigarette (e-liquid) and nicotine containing chewing gum (NCG) using in vitro models of keratinocytes and cardiomyocytes, as well as in ovo models using the chorioallantoic membrane of developing chicken embryos. In the in vitro experiments, both cell lines were exposed to e-liquid and NCG at similar and relevant concentrations for in vivo administration. The results demonstrated that e-liquid exerted a more pronounced cytotoxic impact when compared to NCG. E-liquid caused a significant decrease in cell viability (up to about 46%) and induced substantial alterations in cellular morphology and nuclei. This finding implies an elevated risk linked to the use of electronic cigarettes, emphasizing that the cumulative content of harmful substances in these devices, beyond nicotine, contributes to their potential adverse effects. Additionally, in the in ovo evaluation, e-liquid revealed alarming signs of vascular irritation, including haemorrhage, lysis and intravascular coagulation within the chorioallantoic membrane. These findings underscore the vascular and skin health risks associated with e-liquid, prompting a need for comprehensive investigation into the long-term consequences for users. As a conclusion, the study outcomes highlight that, in vitro, the e-liquid used in electronic cigarette exerts heightened toxic effects on both keratinocytes and cardiomyocytes in comparison to the impact observed with nicotine containing chewing gum.