Aleksandra Divac Rankov1*, Sara Trifunović1, Katarina Smiljanić2 and Mila Ljujić1
1 Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2 Center of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences at University of Belgrade – Faculty of Chemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
aleksandradivac [at] imgge.bg.ac.rs
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a relatively new tobacco product, and still there is much to be determined about the lasting consequences on health of these products. Despite containing mainly non-harmful substances like polyethylene glycol and glycerol, e-cigarettes can also include nicotine and various flavorings, which may contribute to their potential harm.
Our aim was to determine the effects of different components of e-cigarettes on the protein composition of lung cells.
We have performed the comprehensive proteome analysis of epithelial lung cells (BEAS 2B) exposed to e-cigarette vapor condensate. BEAS 2B cells were treated for 24 h with sub-cytotoxic concentration of e-cigarette vapor condensate, made from different e-cigarette liquids – with and without nicotine and with or without flavorings.
The proteome analysis was performed via high resolution mass spectrometry based proteomics (Orbitrap Exploris 240, Thermo Scientific, USA). BEAS 2B proteins were identified with the PEAKS X Pro platform (Bioinformatics Solution Inc., Ontario, Canada) against a UniProtKB database of Homo sapiens and contamination database as common Repository of Adventitious Protein entries. All qualitative gene products enrichment analyses have been done with FunRich Software 1.3.1.
We have found reduction in the number of proteins in exposed cells. The most affected cellular components were extracellular exosomes, mitochondria and ribosomes. Presence of nicotine and flavoring together had most effect on the following biological processes: protein translation and proteasome-mediated ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic processes, tricarboxylic acid cycle and cellular response to interelukin-7.
Our study showed that exposure to e-cigarettes affects critical cellular processes and structures, which could have implications for cell function and overall lung health. Further analysis on pathways identified will help us better understand health risks associated with e-cigarette vaping.
Keywords: electronic cigarette, proteome, lung cells
Acknowledgement: This work was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Contract No. 451-03-66/2024-03/200042)