Cholesterol enhances the negative impact of vaping additives on lung surfactant model systems

• Published in: Nanomedicine (London, England) England), 2022-12, Vol.17 (30), p.2231-2243
• Main Authors: Bavel, Nicolas Van, Lai, Patrick, Loebenberg, Raimar, Prenner, Elmar J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biophysical characterization; Brewster angle microscopy; cannabinoids; Cholesterol; detrimental effects; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; EVALI; Humans; Lung; Lung Injury - chemically induced; lung surfactant model system; monolayers at air–water interface; Surface-Active Agents; Vaping - adverse effects; vaping additives; Vitamin E
• ISSN: 1743-5889; 1748-6963
• DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0232

Vaping has given rise to e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. Model lung surfactant films were used to assess the impact of vape additives (vitamin E, vitamin E acetate, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol). This work builds upon our previous findings, by incorporating cholesterol, to understand the interplay between the additives and the sterol in surfactant function. Compression–expansion cycles of lipid monofilm at the air–water interface and Brewster angle microscopy allowed elucidating the effects of vape additives. Vape additives at 5 mol% inhibited proper lipid packing and reduced film stability. Cholesterol enhanced the additive effects, resulting in significantly destabilized films and altered domains. The observed impact could signify dysfunctional lung surfactant and impaired lung function.