Effect of e-cigarette aerosol on gingival mucosa structure and proinflammatory cytokine response.

We evaluated the effect of multiple exposures to electronic cigarettes on human oral mucosa structure and proinflammatory cytokine secretion. A 3D air-liquid interface human gingival mucosa was produced and exposed 10 min twice a day for 2 and 4 days for a total of 4 or 8 exposure times to e-cigarette aerosol. The vaped e-liquid contained 18 mg/ml of nicotine. Results show that 4 and 8 exposures to the e-cigarettes with and without nicotine-induced structural tissue damage, decreased Laminin and type IV collagen production but increased the secretions of several metalloproteinases (MMPs), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The e-cigarette reduced the number of proliferative epithelial cells, as ascertained by the low number of Ki-67 cells. Exposure to ecigarette aerosol increased proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, MCI-1, and TNFα. However, the ecigarette aerosol effects were lower than combustible cigarette smoke (CS). Although ecigarette aerosols produced less tissue damage than CS, they still induce critical damage to the engineered human gingival mucosa. E-cigarette users and oral health professionals should be aware of the potential adverse effects of e-cigarettes.