E-cigarettes exacerbate allergic inflammation via cytokine induction and MUC5AC/5B expression in a murine asthma model

The effects of electronic cigarettes (e -cigarettes) vapor on inflammation and mucin secretion on asthmatics remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of e -cigarette vapor on allergic inflammation, cytokine production, and MUC5AC/5B expression in murine asthma model. Airway hyperresponsiveness was significantly higher in the e -cigarette -exposed ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization group than in the control, ecigarette exposure, and OVA sensitization groups. The e -cigarette -exposed OVA sensitization group showed significantly greater infiltration of inflammatory cells and Th2-mediated inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4 and -5) compared to the control, e -cigarette exposure, and OVA sensitization groups. MUC5AC mucin levels were significantly elevated in the e -cigarette exposure, OVA sensitization, and e -cigarette -exposed OVA sensitization groups, whereas MUC5B mucin levels were significantly elevated in the OVA sensitization and e -cigarette -exposed OVA sensitization groups. The results may suggest that the exposure to e -cigarette vapor in an asthmatics promoted allergic inflammation and increased mucin secretion, ultimately leading to the exacerbation of asthma.