Berry-scented poison: Researchers have identified a significant threat to millions of teenagers.

Recent studies have raised concerns among scientists regarding the safety of berry-flavored e-cigarette vapors (BFEV), particularly concerning their effects on alveolar macrophages (AM), which are crucial immune cells patrolling the alveoli in the lungs to protect against harmful pathogens. Thus, berry-flavored vapes have once again been found to be detrimental to our health, according to News Medical.

Typically, AMs function by detecting, engulfing, and clearing bacterial invaders such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, preventing inflammation that could damage lung tissue. These immune cells rely on the protein CDC42, which facilitates their movement and squeezing through narrow alveolar spaces, a vital action for patrolling the airways. However, exposure to BFEV disrupts this essential function, making AMs less effective in protecting the lungs. E-cigarettes, popular among youth and adolescents, release various aerosols, including harmful chemicals when heated.

A study recently published in the journal PNAS highlights that following exposure to BFEV, AMs significantly reduce their motility and chemotactic abilities. Observations in mice showed researchers that after three or ten days of daily exposure, AMs traveled shorter distances and moved at a slower pace compared to those exposed only to air. The affected AMs exhibited decreased expression of CDC42, which diminished their ability to squeeze through lung tissue, intensified their probing behavior without proper patrolling, and ultimately reduced their efficacy in clearing pathogens.

The research also indicated that BFEV exposure impaired the ability of AMs to respond to infections like P. aeruginosa. Although AMs could still phagocytize bacteria, they were less capable of directed chemotaxis, leading to a less effective immune response. As a result, infected mice exposed to BFEV experienced greater weight loss and delayed recovery compared to those exposed to air. This disrupted immune response also resulted in increased lung inflammation and neutrophil recruitment, further exacerbating their damage.

However, these changes did not accompany the death of AM cells or alterations in the levels of overall inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that BFEV exposure affects the mobility and behavior of AMs independently of typical inflammatory or cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, scientists found that BFEV induces specific changes in the actin cytoskeleton of AMs. Actin, essential for cell movement and structure, was reduced in certain areas, correlating with decreased CDC42 activity. Interestingly, while the vapor from unflavored e-cigarettes also altered AM metabolism and led to some lipid accumulation, only the berry-flavored version significantly affected actin and CDC42.

As the popularity of flavored e-cigarettes continues, this research underscores the need for further investigation into the health risks associated with specific aromatic compounds. The findings of this study align with the growing concerns of health authorities worldwide, who are warning against vaping due to the increasing reports of severe lung damage among adolescents.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with e-cigarettes and for making regulatory decisions to protect vulnerable populations, especially young people who may not be fully aware of these potential hazards, the authors argue.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.