Inflammation and Oxidative Stress from E-cigarette Exposure: Implications for COPD and Asthma

Currently, little is known about the effects of e-cigarette use on chronic respiratory diseases, due to their relative novelty. This review compiles data on the cellular effects of e-cigarette use with population data on disease incidence to determine potential risk for COPD and asthma development, two of the most prevalent respiratory diseases. We searched the Google Scholar database for studies on e-cigarette exposure and levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in human cells and e-cigarette users, as well a population studies analyzing e-cigarette use and respiratory disease incidence. All reviewed studies found significant increases in inflammatory biomarkers, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, demonstrating a correlation between e-cigarette use and a pro-inflammatory affect. Our findings suggest e-cigarette vapor contains reactive oxygen species, and that exposure increases cellular oxidation and lowers antioxidant power. Every population study we reviewed found significant correlations between COPD and e-cigarette use, and asthma and e-cigarette use. These population studies cannot provide causational data, though the basic cellular data provides support for causative effects. Further research should investigate the link between the cellular and population data to identify causation and understand the impact of e-cigarette use on disease rates.