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Moreno S, Trouten-Ebert A, Richards-Waugh LL, Quiñones R. An evaluation of the cannabinoid content of the liquid and thermal degradation analysis of cannabis-labeled vape liquids. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:905-918. [PMID: 38491781 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) vape pen usage has been on the rise given the changing political and scientific climate as well as the promotion of these delivery systems as a more accessible and lower-risk option for consumers. Despite being marketed as a safer way to use cannabis, CBD vape liquids are sold without restrictions or meticulous quality control procedures such as toxicological and clinical assessment, standards for product preservation, or investigative degradation analyses. Nine CBD-labeled vape liquid samples purchased and manufactured in the United States were evaluated and assessed for cannabinoid content. Quantification and validation of cannabinoids and matrix components was accomplished using gas and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS and LC-MS/MS) following liquid-liquid extraction with methanol. Samples degraded by temperature (analyzed by GC-MS) showed a greater disparity from the labeled CBD content compared with samples analyzed as purchased (by LC-MS/MS). Thermal degradation of the vape liquids showed increased levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also, extended time and temperature degradation were evaluated in vape liquids by storing them for 15 months and then varying temperature conditions before analysis, which indicated CBD transformed into other cannabinoids leading to different cannabinoid content within the vape samples. Evaluation conducted on these vape liquids indicated the route of exposure, storage conditions, and length of storage could expose consumers to unintended cannabinoids and showed a concerning level of disagreement between the products' labeled cannabinoid content and the results generated by these analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moreno
- Chemistry Department, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
- Forensic Science, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Rosalynn Quiñones
- Chemistry Department, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
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2
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Taktikakis P, Côté M, Subramaniam N, Kroeger K, Youssef H, Badia A, DeWolf C. Understanding the Retention of Vaping Additives in the Lungs: Model Lung Surfactant Membrane Perturbation by Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:5651-5662. [PMID: 38437623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Deviations from the normal physicochemical and functional properties of pulmonary surfactants are associated with the incidence of lung injury and other respiratory disorders. This study aims to evaluate the alteration of the 2D molecular organization and morphology of pulmonary surfactant model membranes by the electronic cigarette additives α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E acetate), which have been associated with lung injury, termed e-cigarette or vaping-use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The model membranes used contained a 7:3 molar ratio of DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and POPG (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol) to which α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol acetate were added to form mixtures of up to 20 mol % additive. The properties of the neat tocopherol additives and DPPC/POPG (7:3) mixtures with increasing molar proportions of additive were evaluated by surface pressure-area isotherms, excess area calculations, Brewster angle microscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, and atomic force microscopy. The addition of either additive alters the essential phase balance of the model pulmonary surfactant membrane by generating a greater proportion of the fluid phase. Despite this net fluidization, both tocopherol additives have space-filling effects on the liquid-expanded and condensed phases, yielding negative excess areas in the liquid-expanded phase and reduced tilt angles in the condensed phase. Both tocopherol additives alter the stability of the fluid phase, pushing the eventual collapse of this phase to higher surface pressures than the model membrane in the absence of an additive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Taktikakis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Mathieu Côté
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Nivetha Subramaniam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Kailen Kroeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Hala Youssef
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Antonella Badia
- Département de chimie and Institut Courtois, Université de Montréal, Complexe des sciences, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
| | - Christine DeWolf
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Centre for NanoScience Research, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- FRQNT Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials, 2101, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Quebec H2X 2J6, Canada
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3
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Hinckley J, Bhatia D, Ellingson J, Molinero K, Hopfer C. The impact of recreational cannabis legalization on youth: the Colorado experience. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:637-650. [PMID: 35428897 PMCID: PMC10097013 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, cannabis policies have liberalized in the United States, culminating in the legalization of recreational cannabis in Colorado and Washington state in 2012. This review will focus on the impact of recreational cannabis legalization in Colorado. While the prevalence of past-year and past-month cannabis use has remained relatively steady among adolescents post-legalization, the prevalence of young adult use has continued to rise. Cannabis products with increased potency have become more prevalent and widely used. There are concerns that the use of products with increased potency will increase risk for cannabis use and comorbid mental health disorders, particularly cannabis-induced psychosis and suicidal behavior, although more research is needed to fully understand the impact of high-potency products. Since the legalization of recreational cannabis, numerous additional public health concerns have emerged: unintentional overdoses requiring acute care visits, electronic vaping-associated lung injury, increased motor vehicle collisions related to cannabis consumption, and higher rates of cannabis use during pregnancy. Lessons learned from the first decade of cannabis legalization emphasize the need for research efforts to provide evidence-based guidelines, inform prevention strategies, and implement selective interventions for at-risk populations including youth, individuals with comorbid mental health disorders, and individuals who are pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Hinckley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Devika Bhatia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jarrod Ellingson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karla Molinero
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christian Hopfer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Deng H, Tang S, Yang F, Chen D, Bian Z, Wang Y, Tang G, Lee HK. Recent advances in the analysis of electronic cigarette liquids and aerosols: Sample preparation and chromatographic characterization. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1712:464495. [PMID: 37952386 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) usage has risen dramatically worldwide in recent years. It has been publicized as a safer alternative to the conventional combustible cigarette. This, however, has not yet been supported by robust toxicological research evidence. Analysis of the chemical compositions of e-liquids and generated aerosols is an important step in evaluating the toxicity effects of e-cigarettes. Currently, a broad spectrum of analytical methods have been employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical compositions of e-cigarette liquids and aerosols. The aim of this article is to review the advances in the chromatographic characterization of chemical composition of the latter in the recent five years. In addition, sample preparation methods for e-liquids and aerosols are surveyed and discussed. A study of the relevant literature indicates that, expectedly, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography with a variety of detection systems, particularly mass spectrometry, have been the main analytical techniques used in this field. Sample preparation procedures primarily include headspace sampling, dilute-and-shoot approach, liquid-liquid extraction and sorbent-based extraction for e-liquids and for aerosols (the latter usually with laboratory-built collection devices). Some challenges of current e-cigarette analytical research, and an overview on prospective work are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Deng
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Sheng Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212003, China
| | - Fei Yang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Yunnan Institute of Tobacco Quality Inspection & Supervision, Kunming 650106, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhaoyang Bian
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ying Wang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Gangling Tang
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Test Center, High and New Technology Industries Development Zone, No.6 Cuizhu Street, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212003, China; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Nahar L, Gavril GL, Sarker SD. Application of gas chromatography in the analysis of phytocannabinoids: An update (2020-2023). PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2023; 34:903-924. [PMID: 37963411 DOI: 10.1002/pca.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors. They possess pharmacological properties like that of the plant Cannabis sativa. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the popular chromatographic techniques that has been routinely used in the analysis of cannabinoids in different matrices. OBJECTIVE The article aims to review the literature on the application of GC-based analytical methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published during the period from January 2020 to August 2023. METHODOLOGY A thorough literature search was conducted using different databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with cannabinoids being present in all combinations, in the search were cannabinoids, Cannabis sativa, marijuana, analysis, GC, quantitative, qualitative, and quality control. From the search results, only the publications that incorporate the GC analysis of phytocannabinoids were reviewed, and papers on synthetic cannabinoids were excluded. RESULTS Since the publication of the review article on GC analysis of phytocannabinoids in early 2020, several GC-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids have appeared in the literature. While simple 1D GC-mass spectrometry (MS) and GC-flame ionisation detector (FID) methods are still quite common in phytocannabinoids analysis, 2D GC-MS and GC-MS/MS are increasingly becoming popular, as these techniques offer more useful data for identification and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. The use of automation in sample preparation and the utilisation of mathematical and computational models for optimisation of different protocols have become a norm in phytocannabinoids analysis. Pre-analyses have been found to incorporate different derivatisation techniques and environmentally friendly extraction protocols. CONCLUSIONS GC-based analysis of phytocannabinoids, especially using GC-MS, remains one of the most preferred methods for the analysis of these compounds. New derivatisation methods, ionisation techniques, mathematical models, and computational approaches for method optimisation have been introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfun Nahar
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Georgiana-Luminita Gavril
- Department of Bioinformatics, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Satyajit D Sarker
- Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Stein J, Kay HE, Sites J, Pirzadeh A, Joyner BL, Darville T, Bjurlin MA, Rose TL, Jaspers I, Milowsky MI. Electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in a patient with testicular cancer: A case report. TUMORI JOURNAL 2023; 109:NP11-NP13. [PMID: 37165581 DOI: 10.1177/03008916231172806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Electronic cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is an increasingly recognized entity with the potential for severe pulmonary toxicity. We present the case of a young man first evaluated at a tertiary care center in the United States in 2019 with newly diagnosed testicular cancer with acute respiratory failure, which was initially attributed to possible metastatic disease but eventually determined to be related to EVALI. This case highlights the clinical features of EVALI, the potential diagnostic dilemma that can arise with EVALI when occurring in the setting of malignancy and the importance of inquiring about vaping use among patients with malignancy, especially in adolescents and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Stein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah E Kay
- Department of Urology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeremy Sites
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Afsaneh Pirzadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Benny L Joyner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Toni Darville
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marc A Bjurlin
- Department of Urology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tracy L Rose
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ilona Jaspers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew I Milowsky
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Rose JJ, Krishnan-Sarin S, Exil VJ, Hamburg NM, Fetterman JL, Ichinose F, Perez-Pinzon MA, Rezk-Hanna M, Williamson E. Cardiopulmonary Impact of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Products: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2023; 148:703-728. [PMID: 37458106 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Vaping and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use have grown exponentially in the past decade, particularly among youth and young adults. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for both cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Because of their more limited ingredients and the absence of combustion, e-cigarettes and vaping products are often touted as safer alternative and potential tobacco-cessation products. The outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury in the United States in 2019, which led to >2800 hospitalizations, highlighted the risks of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Currently, all e-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and thus do not undergo the premarket animal and human safety studies required of a drug product or medical device. Because youth prevalence of e-cigarette and vaping product use was as high as 27.5% in high school students in 2019 in the United States, it is critical to assess the short-term and long-term health effects of these products, as well as the development of interventional and public health efforts to reduce youth use. The objectives of this scientific statement are (1) to describe and discuss e-cigarettes and vaping products use patterns among youth and adults; (2) to identify harmful and potentially harmful constituents in vaping aerosols; (3) to critically assess the molecular, animal, and clinical evidence on the acute and chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary risks of e-cigarette and vaping products use; (4) to describe the current evidence of e-cigarettes and vaping products as potential tobacco-cessation products; and (5) to summarize current public health and regulatory efforts of e-cigarettes and vaping products. It is timely, therefore, to review the short-term and especially the long-term implications of e-cigarettes and vaping products on cardiopulmonary health. Early molecular and clinical evidence suggests various acute physiological effects from electronic nicotine delivery systems, particularly those containing nicotine. Additional clinical and animal-exposure model research is critically needed as the use of these products continues to grow.
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Chen G, Rahman S, Lutfy K. E-cigarettes may serve as a gateway to conventional cigarettes and other addictive drugs. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:11345. [PMID: 38389821 PMCID: PMC10880776 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.11345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices that allow the user to inhale nicotine in a vapor, and are primarily marketed as a means of quitting smoking and a less harmful replacement for traditional cigarette smoking. However, further research is needed to determine if vaping nicotine via e-cigarettes can be effective. Conversely, nicotine has been considered a gateway drug to alcohol and other addictive drugs and e-cigarettes containing nicotine may have the same effects. Previous reports have shown that e-cigarette use may open the gate for the use of other drugs including conventional cigarettes, cannabis, opioids, etc. The increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth and adolescents in the last decade have led to an increase in the dual use of e-cigarettes with alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drug use like heroin and 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The advent of e-cigarettes as a device to self-administer addictive agents such as cocaine and synthetic cathinones may bring about additional adverse health effects associated with their concurrent use. This review aims to briefly describe e-cigarettes and their different generations, and their co-use with other addictive drugs as well as the use of the device as a tool to self-administer addictive drugs, such as cocaine, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Chen
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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Jadhav PD, Shim YY, Paek OJ, Jeon JT, Park HJ, Park I, Park ES, Kim YJ, Reaney MJT. A Metabolomics and Big Data Approach to Cannabis Authenticity (Authentomics). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098202. [PMID: 37175910 PMCID: PMC10179091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing accessibility of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L., also known as marijuana and hemp), its products are being developed as extracts for both recreational and therapeutic use. This has led to increased scrutiny by regulatory bodies, who aim to understand and regulate the complex chemistry of these products to ensure their safety and efficacy. Regulators use targeted analyses to track the concentration of key bioactive metabolites and potentially harmful contaminants, such as metals and other impurities. However, the metabolic complexity of cannabis metabolic pathways requires a more comprehensive approach. A non-targeted metabolomic analysis of cannabis products is necessary to generate data that can be used to determine their authenticity and efficacy. An authentomics approach, which involves combining the non-targeted analysis of new samples with big data comparisons to authenticated historic datasets, provides a robust method for verifying the quality of cannabis products. To meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, it is necessary to implement the authentomics platform technology and build an integrated database of cannabis analytical results. This study is the first to review the topic of the authentomics of cannabis and its potential to meet ISO standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramodkumar D Jadhav
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - Youn Young Shim
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Tide Diversified Inc., Saskatoon, SK S7J 0R1, Canada
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Ock Jin Paek
- Herbal Medicines Research Division, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Tae Jeon
- Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yongin 17084, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Je Park
- Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yongin 17084, Republic of Korea
- Yuhan Natural Product R&D Center, Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Andong 36618, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilbum Park
- Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yongin 17084, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Seong Park
- Yuhan Care R&D Center, Yuhan Care Co., Ltd., Yongin 17084, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Martin J T Reaney
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
- Prairie Tide Diversified Inc., Saskatoon, SK S7J 0R1, Canada
- Department of Food and Biotechnology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
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Reidel B, Abdelwahab S, Wrennall JA, Clapp P, Beers JL, Jackson KD, Tarran R, Kesimer M. Vaping additives cannabinoid oil and vitamin E acetate adhere to and damage the human airway epithelium. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:680-693. [PMID: 36372912 PMCID: PMC10101868 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
E-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), is a severe respiratory disorder that caused a sudden outbreak of hospitalized young people in 2019. Using cannabis oil containing vaping products, including vitamin E acetate contaminants, was found to be strongly associated with EVALI. However, the underlying tissue impacts of the condition are still largely unknown. Here, we focused on the vehicle cannabinoid oil (CBD oil) and contaminant vitamin E acetate (VEA) effects on airway epithelial cells. Primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cultures were exposed to e-liquid aerosols that contained CBD oil and VEA in combination or the common e-liquid components PG/VG with and without nicotine. Cell viability analysis indicated dramatically increased cell death counts after 3 days of CBD exposure, and this effect was even higher after CBD + VEA exposure. Microscopic examination of the cultures revealed cannabinoid and VEA depositions on the epithelial surfaces and cannabinoid accumulation in exposed cells, followed by cell death. These observations were supported by proteomic analysis of the cell secretions that exhibited increases in known markers of airway epithelial toxicity, such as xenobiotic enzymes, factors related to oxidative stress response, and cell death indicators. Overall, our study provides insights into the association between cannabinoid oil and vitamin E acetate vaping and lung injury. Collectively, our results suggest that the adherent accumulation of CBD oil on airway surfaces and the cellular uptake of both CBD oil- and VEA-containing condensates cause elevated metabolic stress, leading to increased cell death rates in human airway epithelial cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Reidel
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Sabri Abdelwahab
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Joe Alexander Wrennall
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Phillip Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Jessica L. Beers
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Klarissa D. Jackson
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Robert Tarran
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
| | - Mehmet Kesimer
- Marsico Lung Institute, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
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11
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Chandra D, Bogdanoff RF, Bowler RP, Benam KH. Electronic cigarette menthol flavoring is associated with increased inhaled micro and sub-micron particles and worse lung function in combustion cigarette smokers. Respir Res 2023; 24:108. [PMID: 37038183 PMCID: PMC10088218 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavored electronic cigarettes (ECs) present a serious health challenge globally. Currently, it is unknown whether the addition of highly popular menthol flavoring to e-liquid is associated with changes in the number of aerosolized particles generated or altered lung function. Here, we first performed preclinical studies using our novel robotic platform Human Vaping Mimetic Real-Time Particle Analyzer (HUMITIPAA). HUMITIPAA generates fresh aerosols for any desired EC in a very controlled and user-definable manner and utilizes an optical sensing system to quantitate and analyze sub-micron and microparticles from every puff over the course of vaping session in real-time while emulating clinically relevant breathing mechanics and vaping topography. We discovered that addition of menthol flavoring to freshly prepared e-liquid base propylene glycol-vegetable glycerin leads to enhanced particle counts in all tested size fractions, similar to the effect of adding vitamin E acetate to e-liquid we previously reported. Similarly, we found that menthol vs. non-menthol (tobacco) flavored pods from commercially available ECs leads to generation of significantly higher quantities of 1-10 µm particles upon inhalation. We then retrospectively analyzed data from the COPDGene study and identified an association between the use of menthol flavored ECs and reduced FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC independent of age, gender, race, pack-years of smoking, and use of nicotine or cannabis-containing vaping products. Our results reveal an association between enhanced inhaled particle due to menthol addition to ECs and worse lung function indices. Detailed causal relation remains to be demonstrated in future large-scale prospective clinical studies. Importantly, here we demonstrate utility of the HUMITIPAA as a predictive enabling technology to identify inhalation toxicological potential of emerging ECs as the chemical formulation of e-liquid gets modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divay Chandra
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rachel F Bogdanoff
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Russell P Bowler
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Kambez H Benam
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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12
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New Psychoactive Substances: Major Groups, Laboratory Testing Challenges, Public Health Concerns, and Community-Based Solutions. J CHEM-NY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/5852315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Across communities worldwide, various new psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge, which worsens the challenges to global mental health, drug rules, and public health risks, as well as combats their usage. Specifically, the vast number of NPSs that are currently available, coupled with the rate at which new ones emerge worldwide, increasingly challenges both forensic and clinical testing strategies. The well-established NPS detection techniques include immunoassays, colorimetric tests, mass spectrometric techniques, chromatographic techniques, and hyphenated types. Nonetheless, mitigating drug abuse and NPS usage is achievable through extensive community-based initiatives, with increased focus on harm reduction. Clinically validated and reliable testing of NPS from human samples, along with community-driven solution, such as harm reduction, will be of great importance, especially in combating their prevalence and the use of other illicit synthetic substances. There is a need for continued literature synthesis to reiterate the importance of NPS, given the continuous emergence of illicit substances in the recent years. All these are discussed in this overview, as we performed another look into NPS, from differentiating the major groups and identifying with laboratory testing challenges to community-based initiatives.
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13
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Holt AK, Poklis JL, Peace MR. The history, evolution, and practice of cannabis and E-cigarette industries highlight necessary public health and public safety considerations. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 84:192-203. [PMID: 36868647 PMCID: PMC10829760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alaina K Holt
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Michelle R Peace
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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14
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LoParco CR, Rossheim ME, Walters ST, Zhou Z, Olsson S, Sussman SY. Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary. Addiction 2023; 118:1011-1028. [PMID: 36710464 DOI: 10.1111/add.16142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant that has been rising in popularity in the United States since the 2018 US Farm Bill implicitly legalized it. This study reviewed research from peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed (e.g. anecdotal and news) reports related to delta-8 THC to summarize current knowledge and implications for public health and safety. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Google as search engines, leading to the identification of 103 documents that were summarized. The themes that emerged were (1) legality, (2) use (popularity, motives, psychoactivity/potency, benefits/consequences), (3) synthesis (byproducts, laboratory testing) and (4) retail (availability, price, packaging, youth-oriented marketing). A second author independently coded 20% of the documents, which verified the categorization of articles by these emergent themes. RESULTS Most research used animal/cell models or focused upon ways to identify the chemical structure of delta-8 THC in various products. Findings suggest that people often use delta-8 THC as a substitute for other substances. Anecdotally, delta-8 THC is a less potent psychoactive than delta-9 THC; however, several negative consequences have been reported. There is no federal age restriction for purchase/possession of delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC is readily accessible on-line, is typically less expensive than delta-9 THC and is often marketed in ways that would seemingly appeal to children. There are no regulations on synthesis, resulting in products being contaminated and/or yielding inconsistent effects. There have been thousands of calls to US poison control centers due to accidental delta-8 THC exposure among minors. CONCLUSIONS Most research on delta-8 THC is largely anecdotal, not peer-reviewed and does not involve human subjects. Future research should examine delta-8 THC use using nationally representative samples to more clearly understand the prevalence and consequences of use. Laws are needed to mitigate the risks of using delta-8 THC, particularly quality control of synthesis and minimum purchase age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy R LoParco
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Matthew E Rossheim
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Scott T Walters
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Zhengyang Zhou
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Sofia Olsson
- School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Steve Y Sussman
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Kerber PJ, Luo W, McWhirter KJ, Powers M, Peyton DH. Effects of E-Cigarette Flavor Enhancing Capsules on Inhalable Aerosols. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:8-13. [PMID: 36490387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The flavor of inhaled e-cigarette aerosols may be augmented using crushable flavor capsules added to e-cigarettes. For example, Puff Krush contains breakable flavor capsules in a sorbent material. The capsules are crushed, and then, aerosol passes through the saturated sorbent material before inhalation. Herein, we used NMR and GC-MS to identify the capsule medium chain triglyceride (MCT) solvent and flavorants in selected Puff Krush flavor capsules and then determined which molecules from the capsule transfer into aerosols. MCTs from the Puff Krush were not found in the aerosols, and ∼50% of Puff Krush flavorants transferred into the aerosol upon vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Kerber
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751, United States
| | - Wentai Luo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751, United States
| | - Kevin J McWhirter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751, United States
| | - Marley Powers
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751, United States
| | - David H Peyton
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751, United States
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16
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Lin E, Fuentes AL, Patel A, Crotty Alexander LE. E-Cigarette: Friend or Foe? Respir Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24914-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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17
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Rebuli ME, Rose JJ, Noël A, Croft DP, Benowitz NL, Cohen AH, Goniewicz ML, Larsen BT, Leigh N, McGraw MD, Melzer AC, Penn AL, Rahman I, Upson D, Crotty Alexander LE, Ewart G, Jaspers I, Jordt SE, Kligerman S, Loughlin CE, McConnell R, Neptune ER, Nguyen TB, Pinkerton KE, Witek TJ. The E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury Epidemic: Pathogenesis, Management, and Future Directions: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023; 20:1-17. [PMID: 36584985 PMCID: PMC9819258 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202209-796st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a severe pulmonary illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products that was officially identified and named in 2019. This American Thoracic Society workshop was convened in 2021 to identify and prioritize research and regulatory needs to adequately respond to the EVALI outbreak and to prevent similar instances of disease associated with e-cigarette or vaping product use. An interdisciplinary group of 26 experts in adult and pediatric clinical care, public health, regulatory oversight, and toxicology were convened for the workshop. Four major topics were examined: 1) the public health and regulatory response to EVALI; 2) EVALI clinical care; 3) mechanisms contributing to EVALI; and 4) needed actions to address the health effects of EVALI. Oral presentations and group discussion were the primary modes used to identify top priorities for addressing EVALI. Initiatives including a national EVALI case registry and biorepository, integrated electronic medical record coding system, U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation and enforcement of nicotine e-cigarette standards, regulatory authority over nontobacco-derived e-cigarettes, training in evaluating exogenous exposures, prospective clinical studies, standardized clinical follow-up assessments, ability to more readily study effects of cannabinoid e-cigarettes, and research to identify biomarkers of exposure and disease were identified as critical needs. These initiatives will require substantial federal investment as well as changes to regulatory policy. Overall, the workshop identified the need to address the root causes of EVALI to prevent future outbreaks. An integrated approach from multiple perspectives is required, including public health; clinical, basic, and translational research; regulators; and users of e-cigarettes. Improving the public health response to reduce the risk of another substantial disease-inducing event depends on coordinated actions to better understand the inhalational toxicity of these products, informing the public of the risks, and developing and enforcing regulatory standards for all e-cigarettes.
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18
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Sharma P, Mathews DB, Nguyen QA, Rossmann GL, A Patten C, Hammond CJ. Old Dog, New Tricks: A Review of Identifying and Addressing Youth Cannabis Vaping in the Pediatric Clinical Setting. Clin Med Insights Pediatr 2023; 17:11795565231162297. [PMID: 36993933 PMCID: PMC10041590 DOI: 10.1177/11795565231162297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis vaping has emerged as a predominant mode of cannabis use among United States (US) adolescents and young adults (AYA) primarily due to the popularity of modifiable designs of vaping devices coupled with changes in cannabis policies and increased availability of cannabinoid products. New methods for cannabis vaping by e-liquid/oil vaping, dry plant vaping, and cannabis concentrate vaping (ie, dabbing) have had high uptake among American youth with unclear long-term health implications. Issues with contamination, mislabeling, and expansion of the vaped cannabis market to include not only delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) but also delta-9-THC analogs (eg, delta-8 and delta-10) sold as hemp-derived "legal highs" further complicated this healthcare space. Recent research suggests that cannabis/THC vaping carries distinct and overlapping risks when compared to cannabis smoking and may be associated with greater risk for acute lung injuries, seizures, and acute psychiatric symptoms. Primary care clinicians providing care for AYA are in an ideal position to identify cannabis misuse and intervene early to address cannabis vaping. To improve public health outcomes, a need exists for pediatric clinicians to be educated about different ways/methods that youth are vaping cannabinoid products and associated risks related to cannabinoid vaping. Further, pediatric clinicians need to be trained how to effectively screen for and discuss cannabis vaping with their youth patients. In the current article, we present a clinically focused review of cannabis vaping among young people with 3 main aims to: (1) identify and describe the cannabis vaping products commonly used by American youth; (2) review the health correlates of youth cannabis vaping; and (3) discuss clinical considerations related to identifying and treating youth who vape cannabis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravesh Sharma
- Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA
- Pravesh Sharma, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic Health System, 1221 Whipple St., Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA.
| | | | - Quang Anh Nguyen
- Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Christi A Patten
- Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christopher J Hammond
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chelminiak-Dudkiewicz D, Smolarkiewicz-Wyczachowski A, Mylkie K, Wujak M, Mlynarczyk DT, Nowak P, Bocian S, Goslinski T, Ziegler-Borowska M. Chitosan-based films with cannabis oil as a base material for wound dressing application. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18658. [PMID: 36333591 PMCID: PMC9636169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on obtaining and characterizing novel chitosan-based biomaterials containing cannabis oil to potentially promote wound healing. The primary active substance in cannabis oil is the non-psychoactive cannabidiol, which has many beneficial properties. In this study, three chitosan-based films containing different concentrations of cannabis oil were prepared. As the amount of oil increased, the obtained biomaterials became rougher as tested by atomic force microscopy. Such rough surfaces promote protein adsorption, confirmed by experiments assessing the interaction between human albumin with the obtained materials. Increased oil concentration also improved the films' mechanical parameters, swelling capacity, and hydrophilic properties, which were checked by the wetting angle measurement. On the other hand, higher oil content resulted in decreased water vapour permeability, which is essential in wound dressing. Furthermore, the prepared films were subjected to an acute toxicity test using a Microtox. Significantly, the film's increased cannabis oil content enhanced the antimicrobial effect against A. fischeri for films in direct contact with bacteria. More importantly, cell culture studies revealed that the obtained materials are biocompatible and, therefore, they might be potential candidates for application in wound dressing materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Chelminiak-Dudkiewicz
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Aleksander Smolarkiewicz-Wyczachowski
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Kinga Mylkie
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wujak
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Collegium Medicum, Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz T. Mlynarczyk
- grid.22254.330000 0001 2205 0971Chair and Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Pawel Nowak
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Szymon Bocian
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Tomasz Goslinski
- grid.22254.330000 0001 2205 0971Chair and Department of Chemical Technology of Drugs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Ziegler-Borowska
- grid.5374.50000 0001 0943 6490Department of Biomedical Chemistry and Polymer Science, Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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20
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Wiens T, Taylor J, Cole C, Saravia S, Peterson J, Lunda M, Margetta J, D’Heilly P, Holzbauer S, Lynfield R. Lessons Learned From the E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Outbreak Response, Minnesota, 2019-2020. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:1053-1060. [PMID: 34694926 PMCID: PMC9574319 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211051394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a novel noncommunicable disease with an unknown cause. The objective of this analysis was to describe the Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH's) outbreak response to EVALI, including challenges, successes, and lessons learned. METHODS MDH began investigating EVALI cases in August 2019 and quickly coordinated an agencywide response. This response included activating the incident command system; organizing multidisciplinary teams to perform the epidemiologic investigation; laboratory testing of e-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) and clinical specimens; and collaborating with partners to gather information and develop recommendations. RESULTS MDH faced numerous investigational challenges during the outbreak response of EVALI, including the need to gather information on unregulated and illicit substances and their use and collecting information from minors and critically ill people. MDH laboratorians faced methodologic challenges in characterizing EVPs. Despite these challenges, MDH epidemiologists successfully collaborated with the MDH public health laboratory, law enforcement, partners with clinical and toxicology expertise, and local and national public health partners. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Lessons learned included ensuring the state public health agency has legal authority to conduct noncommunicable disease outbreak investigations and the necessity of cultivating and using internal and external partnerships, specifically with laboratories that can analyze clinical specimens and unknown substances. The lessons learned may be useful to public health agencies responding to similar public health emergencies. To improve preparedness for the next outbreak of EVALI or other noncommunicable diseases, we recommend building and maintaining partnerships with internal and external partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terra Wiens
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Now with Washington State Department of Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joanne Taylor
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cory Cole
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Mark Lunda
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Stacy Holzbauer
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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21
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Hindelang P, Scharinger A, Golombek P, Laible M, Tamosaite S, Walch SG, Lachenmeier DW. Absence of Relevant Thermal Conversion of Cannabidiol to Tetrahydrocannabinol in E-Cigarette Vapor and Low-Tetrahydrocannabinol Cannabis Smoke. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:616-620. [PMID: 36169637 PMCID: PMC9587771 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recent research claimed that CBD in commercial electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) liquids can be converted into psychotropic amounts of Δ9-THC. This study aims to validate this claim using a realistic e-cigarette setup. In addition, this study also investigates if such a conversion may occur during smoking of CBD-rich cannabis joints. Materials and Methods: Two different CBD liquids were vaporized using two different e-cigarette models, one of which was operated at extreme energy settings (0.2 Ω and 200 W). The smoke of six CBD joints was collected using a rotary smoking machine according to ISO 4387:2019. Analyses were conducted using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry as well as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: For the condensed e-cigarette liquids, no increase in THC concentration could be observed. For the CBD joints, no THC formation was provable. The recovered THC concentrations were ranging between 1% and 48% (0.034 and 0.73 mg) of the THC amount initially contained in the joints before smoking. Conclusions: Using realistic conditions of consumer exposure, relevant conversion of CBD to THC appears to not be occurring. The health risk of CBD liquids for e-cigarettes, as well as low-THC cannabis intended for smoking, can be assessed by concentrations in the source material without the need to consider significant changes in psychotropic compounds during use by consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Hindelang
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andreas Scharinger
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Patricia Golombek
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Miriam Laible
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Sandra Tamosaite
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Sigmaringen, Sigmaringen, Germany
| | - Stephan G Walch
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dirk W Lachenmeier
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt (CVUA) Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
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22
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Approaches for assessing performance of high-resolution mass spectrometry-based non-targeted analysis methods. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:6455-6471. [PMID: 35796784 PMCID: PMC9411239 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-targeted analysis (NTA) using high-resolution mass spectrometry has enabled the detection and identification of unknown and unexpected compounds of interest in a wide range of sample matrices. Despite these benefits of NTA methods, standardized procedures do not yet exist for assessing performance, limiting stakeholders’ abilities to suitably interpret and utilize NTA results. Herein, we first summarize existing performance assessment metrics for targeted analyses to provide context and clarify terminology that may be shared between targeted and NTA methods (e.g., terms such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity). We then discuss promising approaches for assessing NTA method performance, listing strengths and key caveats for each approach, and highlighting areas in need of further development. To structure the discussion, we define three types of NTA study objectives: sample classification, chemical identification, and chemical quantitation. Qualitative study performance (i.e., focusing on sample classification and/or chemical identification) can be assessed using the traditional confusion matrix, with some challenges and limitations. Quantitative study performance can be assessed using estimation procedures developed for targeted methods with consideration for additional sources of uncontrolled experimental error. This article is intended to stimulate discussion and further efforts to develop and improve procedures for assessing NTA method performance. Ultimately, improved performance assessments will enable accurate communication and effective utilization of NTA results by stakeholders.
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23
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Wold LE, Tarran R, Crotty Alexander LE, Hamburg NM, Kheradmand F, St Helen G, Wu JC. Cardiopulmonary Consequences of Vaping in Adolescents: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circ Res 2022; 131:e70-e82. [PMID: 35726609 DOI: 10.1161/res.0000000000000544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved e-cigarettes as a cessation aid, industry has at times positioned their products in that way for adults trying to quit traditional cigarettes; however, their novelty and customizability have driven them into the hands of unintended users, particularly adolescents. Most new users of e-cigarette products have never smoked traditional cigarettes; therefore, understanding the respiratory and cardiovascular consequences of e-cigarette use has become of increasing interest to the research community. Most studies have been performed on adult e-cigarette users, but the majority of these study participants are either former traditional smokers or smokers who have used e-cigarettes to switch from traditional smoking. Therefore, the respiratory and cardiovascular consequences in this population are not attributable to e-cigarette use alone. Preclinical studies have been used to study the effects of naive e-cigarette use on various organ systems; however, almost all of these studies have used adult animals, which makes translation of health effects to adolescents problematic. Given that inhalation of any foreign substance can have effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, a more holistic understanding of the pathways involved in toxicity could help to guide researchers to novel therapeutic treatment strategies. The goals of this scientific statement are to provide salient background information on the cardiopulmonary consequences of e-cigarette use (vaping) in adolescents, to guide therapeutic and preventive strategies and future research directions, and to inform public policymakers on the risks, both short and long term, of vaping.
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Li Y, Dai J, Tran LN, Pinkerton KE, Spindel ER, Nguyen TB. Vaping Aerosols from Vitamin E Acetate and Tetrahydrocannabinol Oil: Chemistry and Composition. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1095-1109. [PMID: 35559605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The popularity of vaping cannabis products has increased sharply in recent years. In 2019, a sudden onset of electronic cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) was reported, leading to thousands of cases of lung illness and dozens of deaths due to the vaping of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-liquids that were obtained on the black market. A potential cause of EVALI has been hypothesized due to the illicit use of vitamin E acetate (VEA) in cannabis vape cartridges. However, the chemistry that modifies VEA and THC oil, to potentially produce toxic byproducts, is not well understood under different scenarios of use. In this work, we quantified carbonyls, organic acids, cannabinoids, and terpenes in the vaping aerosol of pure VEA, purified THC oil, and an equal volume mixture of VEA and THC oil at various coil temperatures (100-300 °C). It was found under the conditions of our study that degradation of VEA and cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC and cannabigerol (CBG), occurred via radical oxidation and direct thermal decomposition pathways. Evidence of terpene degradation was also observed. The bond cleavage of aliphatic side chains in both VEA and cannabinoids formed a variety of smaller carbonyls. Oxidation at the ring positions of cannabinoids formed various functionalized products. We show that THC oil has a stronger tendency to aerosolize and degrade compared to VEA at a given temperature. The addition of VEA to the e-liquid nonlinearly suppressed the formation of vape aerosol compared to THC oil. At the same time, toxic carbonyls including formaldehyde, 4-methylpentanal, glyoxal, or diacetyl and its isomers were highly enhanced in VEA e-liquid when normalized to particle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Li
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Lillian N Tran
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Kent E Pinkerton
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Eliot R Spindel
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, United States
| | - Tran B Nguyen
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
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Canchola A, Meletz R, Khandakar RA, Woods M, Lin YH. Temperature dependence of emission product distribution from vaping of vitamin E acetate. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265365. [PMID: 35324938 PMCID: PMC8947410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly two years after vitamin E acetate (VEA) was identified as the potential cause of the 2019–2020 outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping product-associated lung injuries (EVALI), the toxicity mechanisms of VEA vaping are still yet to be fully understood. Studies since the outbreak have found that e-liquids such as VEA undergo thermal degradation during the vaping process to produce various degradation products, which may pose a greater risk of toxicity than exposure to unvaped VEA. Additionally, a wide range of customizable parameters–including the model of e-cigarette used, puffing topography, or the applied power/temperature used to generate aerosols–have been found to influence the physical properties and chemical compositions of vaping emissions. However, the impact of heating coil temperature on the chemical composition of VEA vaping emissions has not been fully assessed. In this study, we investigated the emission product distribution of VEA vaping emissions produced at temperatures ranging from 176 to 356°C, corresponding to a variable voltage vape pen set at 3.3 to 4.8V. VEA degradation was found to be greatly enhanced with increasing temperature, resulting in a shift towards the production of lower molecular weight compounds, such as the redox active duroquinone (DQ) and short-chain alkenes. Low temperature vaping of VEA resulted in the production of long-chain molecules, such as phytol, exposure to which has been suggested to induce lung damage in previous studies. Furthermore, differential product distribution was observed in VEA degradation products generated from vaping and from pyrolysis using a tube furnace in the absence of the heating coil at equivalent temperatures, suggesting the presence of external factors such as metals or oxidation that may enhance VEA degradation during vaping. Overall, our findings indicate that vaping behavior may significantly impact the risk of exposure to toxic vaping products and potential for vaping-related health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Canchola
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Ruth Meletz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Riste Ara Khandakar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Megan Woods
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Ying-Hsuan Lin
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Marrocco A, Singh D, Christiani DC, Demokritou P. E-Cigarette (E-Cig) Liquid Composition and Operational Voltage Define the In Vitro Toxicity of Δ8Tetrahydrocannabinol/Vitamin E Acetate (Δ8THC/VEA) E-Cig Aerosols. Toxicol Sci 2022; 187:279-297. [PMID: 35478015 PMCID: PMC9154258 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019 United States outbreak of E-cigarette (e-cig), or Vaping, Associated Acute Lung Injury (EVALI) has been linked to presence of vitamin E acetate (VEA) in Δ8tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8THC)-containing e-liquids, as supported by VEA detection in patient biological samples. However, the pathogenesis of EVALI and the complex physicochemical properties of e-cig emissions remain unclear, raising concerns on health risks of vaping. This study investigates the effect of Δ8THC/VEA e-liquids and e-cig operational voltage on in vitro toxicity of e-cig aerosols. A novel E-cigExposure Generation System platform was used to generate and characterize e-cig aerosols from a panel of Δ8THC/VEA or nicotine-based e-liquids at 3.7 or 5 V. Human lung Calu-3 cells and THP-1 monocytes were exposed to cell culture media conditioned with collected e-cig aerosol condensate at doses of 85 and 257 puffs/m2 lung surface for 24 h, whereafter specific toxicological endpoints were assessed (including cytotoxicity, metabolic activity, reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines). Higher concentrations of gaseous volatile organic compounds were emitted from Δ8THC/VEA compared with nicotine-based e-liquids, especially at 5 V. Emitted PM2.5 concentrations in aerosol were higher for Δ8THC/VEA at 5 V and averagely for nicotine-based e-liquids at 3.7 V. Overall, aerosols from nicotine-based e-liquids showed higher bioactivity than Δ8THC/VEA aerosols in THP-1 cells, with no apparent differences in Calu-3 cells. Importantly, presence of VEA in Δ8THC and menthol flavoring in nicotine-based e-liquids increased cytotoxicity of aerosols across both cell lines, especially at 5 V. This study systematically investigates the physicochemical and toxicological properties of a model of Δ8THC/VEA and nicotine e-cigarette condensate exposure demonstrating that pyrolysis of these mixtures can generate hazardous toxicants whose synergistic actions potentially drive acute lung injury upon inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Marrocco
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, Room 1310, Boston, MA 02115, USA. E-mail:
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA,Department of Environmental and Population Health Bio-Sciences, Environmental Occupational Health Sciences Institute, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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27
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Marrocco A, Singh D, Christiani DC, Demokritou P. E-cigarette vaping associated acute lung injury (EVALI): state of science and future research needs. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:188-220. [PMID: 35822508 PMCID: PMC9716650 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2082918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
"E-Cigarette (e-cig) Vaping-Associated Acute Lung Injury" (EVALI) has been linked to vitamin-E-acetate (VEA) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), due to their presence in patients' e-cigs and biological samples. Lacking standardized methodologies for patients' data collection and comprehensive physicochemical/toxicological studies using real-world-vapor exposures, very little data are available, thus the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of EVALI is still unknown. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical appraisal of existing literature on clinical/epidemiological features and physicochemical-toxicological characterization of vaping emissions associated with EVALI. The literature review of 161 medical case reports revealed that the predominant demographic pattern was healthy white male, adolescent, or young adult, vaping illicit/informal THC-containing e-cigs. The main histopathologic pattern consisted of diffuse alveolar damage with bilateral ground-glass-opacities at chest radiograph/CT, and increased number of macrophages or neutrophils and foamy-macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage. The chemical analysis of THC/VEA e-cig vapors showed a chemical difference between THC/VEA and the single THC or VEA. The chemical characterization of vapors from counterfeit THC-based e-cigs or in-house-prepared e-liquids using either cannabidiol (CBD), VEA, or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), identified many toxicants, such as carbonyls, volatile organic compounds, terpenes, silicon compounds, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides and various industrial/manufacturing/automotive-related chemicals. There is very scarce published toxicological data on emissions from THC/VEA e-liquids. However, CBD, MCT, and VEA emissions exert varying degrees of cytotoxicity, inflammation, and lung damage, depending on puffing topography and cell line. Major knowledge gaps were identified, including the need for more systematic-standardized epidemiological surveys, comprehensive physicochemical characterization of real-world e-cig emissions, and mechanistic studies linking emission properties to specific toxicological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Marrocco
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dilpreet Singh
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David C. Christiani
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Philip Demokritou
- Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, 665 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Environmental Occupational Health Sciences Institute, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, 170 Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Canchola A, Sabbir Ahmed C, Chen K, Chen JY, Lin YH. Formation of Redox-Active Duroquinone from Vaping of Vitamin E Acetate Contributes to Oxidative Lung Injury. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:254-264. [PMID: 35077135 PMCID: PMC8860880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In late 2019, the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injuries (EVALIs) in the United States demonstrated to the public the potential health risks of vaping. While studies since the outbreak have identified vitamin E acetate (VEA), a diluent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in vape cartridges, as a potential contributor to lung injuries, the molecular mechanisms through which VEA may cause damage are still unclear. Recent studies have found that the thermal degradation of e-liquids during vaping can result in the formation of products that are more toxic than the parent compounds. In this study, we assessed the role of duroquinone (DQ) in VEA vaping emissions that may act as a mechanism through which VEA vaping causes lung damage. VEA vaping emissions were collected and analyzed for their potential to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce oxidative stress-associated gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Significant ROS generation by VEA vaping emissions was observed in both acellular and cellular systems. Furthermore, exposure to vaping emissions resulted in significant upregulation of NQO1 and HMOX-1 genes in BEAS-2B cells, indicating a strong potential for vaped VEA to cause oxidative damage and acute lung injury; the effects are more profound than exposure to equivalent concentrations of DQ alone. Our findings suggest that there may be synergistic interactions between thermal decomposition products of VEA, highlighting the multifaceted nature of vaping toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Canchola
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - C.M. Sabbir Ahmed
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kunpeng Chen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jin Y. Chen
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ying-Hsuan Lin
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA,Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA,Corresponding Author Ying-Hsuan Lin - Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States; Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States; Phone: +1-951-827-3785,
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29
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Podguski S, Kaur G, Muthumalage T, McGraw MD, Rahman I. Non-Invasive Systemic Biomarker of E-cigarette or Vaping use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): A pilot study. ERJ Open Res 2022; 8:00639-2021. [PMID: 35386827 PMCID: PMC8977595 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00639-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) vaping, containing nicotine and/or Δ8, Δ9 or Δ10 or Δo tetrahydrocannabinol (Δn-THC), is associated with an outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Despite thousands being hospitalised with EVALI, much remains unknown about diagnosis, treatment and disease pathogenesis. Biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid mediators may help identify e-cigarette users with EVALI. Methods We collected plasma and urine along with demographic and vaping-related data of EVALI subjects (age 18–35 years) and non-users matched for sex and age in a pilot study. Biomarkers were assessed by ELISA/EIA and Luminex-based assays. Results Elevated levels of THC metabolite (11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC) were found in plasma from EVALI subjects compared to non-users. Levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative DNA damage biomarker, and 8-isoprostane, an oxidative stress marker, were slightly increased in urine samples from EVALI subjects compared to non-users. Conversely, plasma levels of lipid mediators, including resolvin D1 (RvD1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), were significantly lower in EVALI subjects compared to non-users. Both pro-inflammatory biomarkers, such as tumour necrosis factor-α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, as well as anti-inflammatory biomarkers, such as interleukin-9 and CC10/16, were decreased in plasma from EVALI subjects compared to non-users, supportive of a possible dysregulated inflammatory response in EVALI subjects. Conclusions Significant elevations in urine and plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress, as well as reductions in lipid mediators, were shown in EVALI subjects. These noninvasive biomarkers (8-OHdG, 8-isoprostane, RvD1 and CC10/16), either individually or collectively, may serve as tools in diagnosing future EVALI subjects. Biomarkers 8-OHdG, 8-isoprostane, RvD1 and CC10/16 are associated with electronic cigarettes and vapinghttps://bit.ly/3tJJV71
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Palazzolo DL, Caudill J, Baron J, Cooper K. Fabrication and Validation of an Economical, Programmable, Dual-Channel, Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Generator. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413190. [PMID: 34948804 PMCID: PMC8703563 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaping (inhalation of electronic cigarette-generated aerosol) is a public health concern. Due to recent spikes in adolescent use of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) and vaping-induced illnesses, demand for scientific inquiry into the physiological effects of electronic cigarette (ECIG) aerosol has increased. For such studies, standardized and consistent aerosol production is required. Many labs generate aerosol by manually activating peristaltic pumps and ECIG devices simultaneously in a predefined manner. The tedium involved with this process (large puff number over time) and risk of error in keeping with puff topography (puff number, duration, interval) are less than optimal. Furthermore, excess puffing on an ECIG device results in battery depletion, reducing aerosol production, and ultimately, its chemical and physical nature. While commercial vaping machines are available, the cost of these machines is prohibitive to many labs. For these reasons, an economical and programmable ECIG aerosol generator, capable of generating aerosol from two atomizers simultaneously, was fabricated, and subsequently validated. Validation determinants include measurements of atomizer temperatures (inside and outside), electrical parameters (current, resistance and power) of the circuitry, aerosol particle distribution (particle counts and mass concentrations) and aerosol delivery (indexed by nicotine recovery), all during stressed conditions of four puffs/minute for 75 min (i.e., 300 puffs). Validation results indicate that the ECIG aerosol generator is better suited for experiments involving ≤100 puffs. Over 100 puffs, the amount of variation in the parameters measured tends to increase. Variations between channels are generally higher than variations within a channel. Despite significant variations in temperatures, electrical parameters, and aerosol particle distributions, both within and between channels, aerosol delivery remains remarkably stable for up to 300 puffs, yielding over 25% nicotine recovery for both channels. In conclusion, this programmable, dual-channel ECIG aerosol generator is not only affordable, but also allows the user to control puff topography and eliminate battery drain of ECIG devices. Consequently, this aerosol generator is valid, reliable, economical, capable of using a variety of E-liquids and amenable for use in a vast number of studies investigating the effects of ECIG-generated aerosol while utilizing a multitude of puffing regimens in a standardized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic L. Palazzolo
- Department of Physiology, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (J.C.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jordan Caudill
- Department of Physiology, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (J.C.); (J.B.)
| | - James Baron
- Department of Physiology, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA; (J.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Kevin Cooper
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, School of Mathematics & Sciences, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA;
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Kosarac I, Kubwabo C, Katuri GP, Petraccone D, Mischki TK. Vitamin E Acetate Determination in Vaping Liquids and Non-targeted Analysis of Vaping Emissions of Diluents of Concern, Vitamin E Acetate and Medium-Chain Triglycerides Oil. Front Chem 2021; 9:756745. [PMID: 34966718 PMCID: PMC8710514 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.756745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the summer of 2019, cases of lung injury associated with vaping emerged in North America, including among individuals who reported exclusive use of nicotine vaping liquids. Once vitamin E acetate was identified as a potential causative agent a quantitative method based on a simple sample dilution, separation by gas chromatography and analysis by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC MSMS) was developed. Method detection limit (MDL) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined at 0.159 µg/mL and 0.505 µg/mL, respectively. The analysis was performed on a subset of 203 commercially sourced nicotine containing vaping liquids of various flavour profile and nicotine range (nicotine free-59 mg/mL) from an internal inventory. The target analyte, Vitamin E Acetate, was not detected in any samples analyzed, as expected, given the reported detection in literature and high association of the chemical with cannabis and not nicotine containing vaping products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Kosarac
- Office of Research and Surveillance, Tobacco Control Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cariton Kubwabo
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Division, Environmental and Radiation Sciences Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Guru Prasad Katuri
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Division, Environmental and Radiation Sciences Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dora Petraccone
- Office of Research and Surveillance, Tobacco Control Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor K. Mischki
- Office of Research and Surveillance, Tobacco Control Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Meehan-Atrash J, Rahman I. Novel Δ 8-Tetrahydrocannabinol Vaporizers Contain Unlabeled Adulterants, Unintended Byproducts of Chemical Synthesis, and Heavy Metals. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 35:73-76. [PMID: 34889611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis e-cigarettes containing Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) produced synthetically from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) have recently risen in popularity as a legal means of cannabis consumption, but questions surrounding purity and unlabeled additives have created doubts of their safety. Herein, NMR, GC-MS, and ICP-MS were used to analyze major components of 27 products from 10 brands, and it was determined none of these had accurate Δ8-THC labeling, 11 had unlabeled cutting agents, and all contained reaction side-products including olivetol, Δ4(8)-iso-tetrahydrocannabinol, 9-ethoxyhexahydrocannabinol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), heavy metals, and a novel previously undescribed cannabinoid, iso-tetrahydrocannabifuran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiries Meehan-Atrash
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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33
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Cohn AM, Blount BC, Hashibe M. Nonmedical Cannabis Use: Patterns and Correlates of Use, Exposure, and Harm, and Cancer Risk. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2021; 2021:53-67. [PMID: 34850898 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has certain health benefits, but some people may experience harms from use. Co-use of tobacco and cannabis is common. Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same carcinogens and toxicants as the smoke from tobacco, raising concerns that cannabis smoking may be a risk factor for cancer. With growing access to and acceptance of medical and nonmedical cannabis, there is an urgent need to understand the risks and benefits of the current modes of cannabis use and how cannabis may be associated with cancer risk. This monograph summarizes a session from a National Cancer Institute Symposium on nonmedical cannabis use and cancer risk. We had 3 objectives: describe the relation between nonmedical cannabis use and cancer risk, delineate patterns and correlates of cannabis co-use with tobacco, and document potentially harmful inhalational exposure resulting from smoked and vaped cannabis. Methodological limitations in the literature and future research recommendations are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Cohn
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Benjamin C Blount
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mia Hashibe
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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34
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Ranpara A, Stefaniak AB, Williams K, Fernandez E, LeBouf RF. Modeled Respiratory Tract Deposition of Aerosolized Oil Diluents Used in Δ 9-THC-Based Electronic Cigarette Liquid Products. Front Public Health 2021; 9:744166. [PMID: 34805068 PMCID: PMC8599147 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.744166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Electronic cigarette, or vaping, products (EVP) heat liquids ("e-liquids") that contain substances (licit or illicit) and deliver aerosolized particles into the lungs. Commercially available oils such as Vitamin-E-acetate (VEA), Vitamin E oil, coconut, and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) were often the constituents of e-liquids associated with an e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the mass-based physical characteristics of the aerosolized e-liquids prepared using these oil diluents. These characteristics were particle size distributions for modeling regional respiratory deposition and puff-based total aerosol mass for estimating the number of particles delivered to the respiratory tract. Four types of e-liquids were prepared by adding terpenes to oil diluents individually: VEA, Vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and MCT. A smoking machine was used to aerosolize each e-liquid at a predetermined puff topography (volume of 55 ml for 3 s with 30-s intervals between puffs). A cascade impactor was used to collect the size-segregated aerosol for calculating the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD). The respiratory deposition of EVP aerosols on inhalation was estimated using the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry model. From these results, the exhaled fraction of EVP aerosols was calculated as a surrogate of secondhand exposure potential. The MMAD of VEA (0.61 μm) was statistically different compared to MCT (0.38 μm) and coconut oil (0.47 μm) but not to Vitamin E oil (0.58 μm); p < 0.05. Wider aerosol size distribution was observed for VEA (GSD 2.35) and MCT (GSD 2.08) compared with coconut oil (GSD 1.53) and Vitamin E oil (GSD 1.55). Irrespective of the statistical differences between MMADs, dosimetry modeling resulted in the similar regional and lobular deposition of particles for all e-liquids in the respiratory tract. The highest (~0.08 or more) fractional deposition was predicted in the pulmonary region, which is consistent as the site of injury among EVALI cases. Secondhand exposure calculations indicated that a substantial amount of EVP aerosols could be exhaled, which has potential implications for bystanders. The number of EVALI cases has declined with the removal of VEA; however, further research is required to investigate the commonly available commercial ingredients used in e-liquid preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Ranpara
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Aleksandr B Stefaniak
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kenneth Williams
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Elizabeth Fernandez
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Ryan F LeBouf
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, United States
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Lu SJ, Li L, Duffy BC, Dittmar MA, Durocher LA, Panawennage D, Delaney-Baldwin ER, Spink DC. Investigation of Vaping Fluids Recovered From New York State E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury Patients. Front Chem 2021; 9:748935. [PMID: 34778204 PMCID: PMC8579054 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.748935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a serious pulmonary condition that is associated with the extended use of certain vaping products. EVALI was first characterized in the summer of 2019 and has since been reported in all 50 U.S. states. From August 2019 through June 2021, the New York State Department of Health has reported more than 197 confirmed cases emanating from all regions of the state. The Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Heath received vaping cartridges recovered from EVALI patients for chemical analysis of their contents. Untargeted analytical methods using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry as well as targeted analyses for a variety of analytes including cannabinoids, pesticides, vitamin E acetate (VEA) and mycotoxins were used to characterize the composition of the vaping fluids and several commercial vaping fluid additives. From the analyses of the 284 e-cigarette devices recovered from patients, 82 were found to be nicotine-containing pods, and 202 devices containing cannabis oil, apparently from unauthorized or black-market dealers. The fluids from the cannabis-oil cartridges tended to have lower levels of THCs (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol + Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol) and total cannabinoids compared with those of commercially produced formulations and contained significant levels of diluents including VEA, medium-chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, and castor oil. VEA was the diluent most frequently detected, which was present in 132 (65.3%) of the vaping fluids that contained cannabis oil. When present, VEA ranged from 2.0 to 67.8% of the total mass of the oil with a mean content of 37.0%. In some cases, two or three diluents were detected in the same sample. The ratio of VEA to THCs varied widely, from 0.07 to 5.34. VEA and specifically the high ratios of VEA to THCs in black-market vaping fluids may be causative in EVALI. The safety of additional components and additives that are present in vaping fluids are likewise of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Jimmy Lu
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Lingyun Li
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Bryan C Duffy
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Mark A Dittmar
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Lorie A Durocher
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Deepika Panawennage
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Em R Delaney-Baldwin
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - David C Spink
- Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
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36
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Ciolino LA, Falconer TM, Ranieri TL, Brueggemeyer JL, Taylor AM, Mohrhaus AS. EVALI Vaping Liquids Part 2: Mass Spectrometric Identification of Diluents and Additives. Front Chem 2021; 9:746480. [PMID: 34760870 PMCID: PMC8573289 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.746480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The vaping liquid additive vitamin E acetate (VEA) was strongly linked to the 2019 United States nationwide outbreak of pulmonary lung illness (EVALI) associated with e-cigarettes or vaping liquids. Our laboratory received over 1,000 vaping liquid products for identification of the vaping liquid additives, including hundreds of vaping products from EVALI patients. In this work, we present results obtained for the GC-MS identification of numerous vaping liquid additives in a large subset of ca. 300 Cannabis vaping liquids, including vitamin E acetate, medium chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil), polyethylene glycols, squalane, triethyl citrate, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (DPG dibenzoate), pine rosin acids, pine rosin methyl esters, and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB). Confirmation of DPG dibenzoate and SAIB using LC-HRMS is also presented. GC-MS analysis for additives identified as the parent compounds was conducted after separation on a commercial 5% phenyl phase. GC-MS analysis for additives identified as the trimethylsilyl derivatives was conducted after separation on a commercial 35% silphenylene phase. LC-HRMS analysis was conducted using gradient elution with either C18 or phenyl-hexyl phases and determination of exact masses for the target compounds. In addition to providing rapid methods for the identification of vaping liquid additives, this work highlights the variety of Cannabis vaping liquid additives in current use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Ciolino
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Travis M Falconer
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tracy L Ranieri
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jana L Brueggemeyer
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Allison M Taylor
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Angela S Mohrhaus
- Forensic Chemistry Center, United States Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Holt AK, Poklis JL, Peace MR. A Retrospective Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Regulated and Unregulated E-Cigarette Liquids. Front Chem 2021; 9:752342. [PMID: 34778207 PMCID: PMC8581558 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.752342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) was identified with the incidents of a multi-state outbreak of acute lung injuries associated with the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and attributed to vitamin E acetate in off-market cannabis-based e-liquids. Aside from EVALI, hypersecretion of mucus, irritated nasal passages, and watery, red eyes have been defined as complaints associated with vaping standard nicotine-based e-liquids. The chemical composition of e-liquids varies between manufacturers and robust oversight of ingredients is lacking. Manufacturers use chemicals deemed "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the FDA, a designation for chemicals used in foodstuffs to be ingested. Most "GRAS" chemicals are associated with at least one Global Harmonization System (GHS) warning class, ranging from irritant to toxic. Untargeted chemical analysis is critical to evaluate e-liquid products to determine chemical composition; equally important is the quantitation of components to help elucidate the potential harms from exceeding recommended exposure limits. Untargeted screening of e-liquids was accomplished using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Direct Analysis in Real Time-AccuTOF™ mass spectrometry (DART-ToF-MS) and has identified 350 chemical constituents from 241 products analyzed. Nicotine, caffeine, menthol, and vitamin E were confirmed and quantitated by GC-MS, ethanol was confirmed and quantitated by headspace-gas chromatography-dual flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID), and olivetol and cannabinoids were confirmed and quantitated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Maximum identified concentrations of nicotine, caffeine, menthol, vitamin E, ethanol, olivetol, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol were 56.4, 26.9, 4.28, 307.9, 217.2, 399.6, 497.7, and 332.6 mg/ml, respectively. Evaluation of untargeted analysis and quantitation of unlabeled chemical components of e-liquids is essential to improving etiology of acute lung injury and less severe impacts of vaping, both short-term and long-term. The historical documentation of unlabeled ingredients can provide some insight for a retrospective analysis of health consequences and inform policy discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaina K. Holt
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Justin L. Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Michelle R. Peace
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,*Correspondence: Michelle R. Peace,
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Kaiser AJ, Salem C, Alvarenga BJ, Pagliaro A, Smith KP, Valerio LG, Benam KH. A robotic system for real-time analysis of inhaled submicron and microparticles. iScience 2021; 24:103091. [PMID: 34755082 PMCID: PMC8560831 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin E acetate (VEA) has been strongly linked to outbreak of electronic cigarette (EC) or vaping product use-associated lung injury. How VEA leads to such an unexpected morbidity and mortality is currently unknown. To understand whether VEA impacts the disposition profile of inhaled particles, we created a biologically inspired robotic system that quantitatively analyzes submicron and microparticles generated from ECs in real-time while mimicking clinically relevant breathing and vaping topography exactly as happens in humans. We observed addition of even small quantities of VEA was sufficient to alter size distribution and significantly enhance total particles inhaled from ECs. Moreover, we demonstrated utility of our biomimetic robot for studying influence of nicotine and breathing profiles from obstructive and restrictive lung disorders. We anticipate our system will serve as a novel preclinical scientific research, decision-support tool when insight into toxicological impact of modifications in electronic nicotine delivery systems is desired. Vitamin E acetate (VEA) has been strongly linked to outbreak of EVALI A bio-inspired robot was created for real-time analysis of inhaled particles from ENDS VEA in e-liquid, even at small doses, was sufficient to enhance total inhaled particles This robotic system enables preclinical toxicity evaluation of ENDS and tobacco products
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Kaiser
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Cassie Salem
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Bob J. Alvarenga
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anthony Pagliaro
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kelly P. Smith
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Luis G. Valerio
- Division of Nonclinical Science, Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kambez H. Benam
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Corresponding author
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Duffy BC, Li L, Lu S, Dittmar MA, Delaney-Baldwin EM, Durocher LA, Spink DC. Chemotyping of Δ8-THC-Containing e-Liquids Analyzed during the 2019-2020 New York State EVALI Investigation. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:743-749. [PMID: 34665862 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The investigation of the 2019-2020 E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak in New York State provided a unique opportunity to examine the formulations and chemical components found in clandestine cannabis-containing e-liquids. In this EVALI investigation, it was determined that an unusually high proportion (16%) of the cannabis e-liquids analyzed contained significant levels of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC). Although not thought to be the causative agent in the outbreak, the manufacturing origin of vaping e-liquids containing large concentrations of Δ8-THC was of great interest, since high Δ8-THC concentrations are not observed in the extracts of common cannabis strains. A principal component analysis of multiple cannabinoid concentrations revealed clusters of similar or identical Δ8-THC-containing products. This technique may be useful in identifying common manufacturing sources in this and future investigations. Several possible manufacturing methods to enrich Δ8-THC appear in literature and are discussed based on their likelihood as sources of this cannabinoid in these samples from the EVALI investigation. The presence of high levels of Δ8-THC in numerous illicit vaping products may implicate cannabidiol, which is readily available at low cost, as its synthetic precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan C Duffy
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Lingyun Li
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Shijun Lu
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Mark A Dittmar
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - E M Delaney-Baldwin
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Lorie A Durocher
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - David C Spink
- Medical Marijuana Laboratory and Laboratory of Organic Analytical Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
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40
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Meehan-Atrash J, Rahman I. Cannabis Vaping: Existing and Emerging Modalities, Chemistry, and Pulmonary Toxicology. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:2169-2179. [PMID: 34622654 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has been cause for concern to the medical community, particularly given that this novel illness has coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, another cause of severe pulmonary illness. Though cannabis e-cigarettes tainted with vitamin E acetate were primarily associated with EVALI, acute lung injuries stemming from cannabis inhalation were reported in the literature prior to 2019, and it has been suggested that cannabis components or additives other than vitamin E acetate may be responsible. Despite these concerning issues, novel cannabis vaporizer ingredients continue to arise, such as Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol, hexahydrocannabinol, and cannabichromene. In order to address cannabis e-cigarette safety and vaping in an effective manner, we provide a comprehensive knowledge of the latest products, delivery modes, and ingredients. This perspective highlights the types of cannabis vaping modalities common to the United States cannabis market, with special attention to cartridge-type cannabis e-cigarette toxicology and their involvement in the EVALI outbreak, in particular, acute lung injurious responses. Novel ingredient chemistry, origins, and legal statuses are reviewed, as well as the toxicology of known cannabis e-cigarette aerosol components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiries Meehan-Atrash
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 850, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Irfan Rahman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 850, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
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41
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Ciolino LA, Ranieri TL, Brueggemeyer JL, Taylor AM, Mohrhaus AS. EVALI Vaping Liquids Part 1: GC-MS Cannabinoids Profiles and Identification of Unnatural THC Isomers. Front Chem 2021; 9:746479. [PMID: 34631667 PMCID: PMC8499677 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.746479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products played a major role in the 2019 US nationwide outbreak of pulmonary lung illness associated with e-cigarettes or vaping liquids (EVALI). Due to the severity of the illness which resulted in 68 deaths, a comprehensive identification of the components in the vaping liquids was required. Our laboratory received over 1000 vaping liquid products for analysis including hundreds of vaping products from EVALI patients. In this work, we present the results for the GC-MS identification of the cannabinoids from a large subset of ca. 300 Cannabis-based vaping liquids, with emphasis on the identification of a series of unnatural THC isomers. GC-MS analysis was conducted using a validated, published method in which the cannabinoids were identified as the trimethylsilyl derivatives after separation on a commercial 35% silphenylene phase. Δ9- Tetrahydrocannabinol is the naturally occurring THC isomer found in the Cannabis plant, and was found in the majority of the vaping liquids. However, we also identified the presence of one or more additional THC isomers in many of the vaping liquids including Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ6a,10a-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol, and exo-tetrahydrocannabinol. Significant or major amounts of unnatural THC isomers were found in over 10% of the THC vaping liquids, with lesser amounts found in another 60% of the vaping liquids. Exposure of the Cannabis source materials (such as marijuana concentrates or converted hemp materials) to chemical and thermal treatments during manufacturing, is proposed as the primary cause for the THC isomerizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Ciolino
- Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tracy L Ranieri
- Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jana L Brueggemeyer
- Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Allison M Taylor
- Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Angela S Mohrhaus
- Forensic Chemistry Center, US Food and Drug Administration, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Abstract
The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit. Improving outcomes depends on not only evidence-based care once ARDS has already developed but also preventing ARDS incidence. Several environmental exposures have now been shown to increase the risk of ARDS and related adverse outcomes. How environmental factors impact the risk of developing ARDS is a growing and important field of research that should inform the care of individual patients as well as public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D Wick
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSE 760, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Matthay
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, M-917, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, M-917, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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43
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Bonner E, Chang Y, Christie E, Colvin V, Cunningham B, Elson D, Ghetu C, Huizenga J, Hutton SJ, Kolluri SK, Maggio S, Moran I, Parker B, Rericha Y, Rivera BN, Samon S, Schwichtenberg T, Shankar P, Simonich MT, Wilson LB, Tanguay RL. The chemistry and toxicology of vaping. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107837. [PMID: 33753133 PMCID: PMC8263470 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vaping is the process of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or personal aerosolizer. When the device contains nicotine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists the product as an electronic nicotine delivery system or ENDS device. Similar electronic devices can be used to vape cannabis extracts. Over the past decade, the vaping market has increased exponentially, raising health concerns over the number of people exposed and a nationwide outbreak of cases of severe, sometimes fatal, lung dysfunction that arose suddenly in otherwise healthy individuals. In this review, we discuss the various vaping technologies, which are remarkably diverse, and summarize the use prevalence in the U.S. over time by youths and adults. We examine the complex chemistry of vape carrier solvents, flavoring chemicals, and transformation products. We review the health effects from epidemiological and laboratory studies and, finally, discuss the proposed mechanisms underlying some of these health effects. We conclude that since much of the research in this area is recent and vaping technologies are dynamic, our understanding of the health effects is insufficient. With the rapid growth of ENDS use, consumers and regulatory bodies need a better understanding of constituent-dependent toxicity to guide product use and regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bonner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Chang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Emerson Christie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Victoria Colvin
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brittany Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Elson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Christine Ghetu
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Juliana Huizenga
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sara J Hutton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Siva K Kolluri
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Stephanie Maggio
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Ian Moran
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Bethany Parker
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Yvonne Rericha
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brianna N Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Samantha Samon
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Trever Schwichtenberg
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael T Simonich
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lindsay B Wilson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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Puetz A, Morel Espinosa M, Watson C, Blount BC, Valentín-Blasini L. Development, Validation, and Application of a Novel Method for the Analysis of Vitamin E Acetate and Other Tocopherols in Aerosol Emissions of E-Cigarettes, or Vaping Products Associated With Lung Injury. Front Chem 2021; 9:730954. [PMID: 34422773 PMCID: PMC8374938 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.730954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette, or vaping, product (EVP) use has increased dramatically in the United States over the last 4 years, particularly in youth and young adults. Little information is available on the chemical contents of these products. Typically, EVPs contain an active ingredient such as nicotine, CBD, or THC dissolved in a suitable solvent that facilitates aerosol generation. One EVP solvent, vitamin E acetate (VEA), has been measured in EVP liquids associated with lung injury. However, no validated analytical methods for measuring VEA in the aerosol from these devices was previously available. Therefore, we developed a high throughput isotope dilution LC-MS/MS method to simultaneously measure VEA and three other related tocopherols in aerosolized EVP samples. The assay was precise, with VEA repeatability ranging from 4.0 to 8.3% and intermediate precision ranging from 2.5 to 6.7%. Similar precision was obtained for the three other tocopherols measured. The LODs for the four analytes ranged from 8.85 × 10−6 to 2.28 × 10−5 μg analyte per mL of aerosol puff volume, and calibration curves were linear (R2 > 0.99). This method was used to analyze aerosol emissions of 147 EVPs associated with EVALI case patients. We detected VEA in 46% of the case-associated EVPs with a range of 1.87 × 10−4–74.1 µg per mL of aerosol puff volume and mean of 25.1 µg per mL of aerosol puff volume. Macro-levels of VEA (>0.1% w/w total aerosol particulate matter) were not detected in nicotine or cannabidiol (CBD) products; conversely 71% of the EVALI associated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products contained macro-levels of VEA. Trace levels of other tocopherol isoforms were detected at lower rates and concentrations (α-tocopherol: 41% detected, mean 0.095 µg analyte per mL of aerosol puff volume; γ-tocopherol: 5% detected, mean 0.0193 µg analyte per mL of aerosol puff volume; δ-tocopherol: not detected). Our results indicate that VEA can be efficiently transferred to aerosol by EVALI-associated EVPs vaped using a standardized protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Puetz
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maria Morel Espinosa
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Clifford Watson
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Benjamin C Blount
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Liza Valentín-Blasini
- Tobacco and Volatiles Branch, Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Nacca N, McGraw MD, Croft DP, Kalininskiy A. Weight loss in adolescents presenting with EVALI. Pediatr Pulmonol 2021; 56:2785-2786. [PMID: 34102043 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Nacca
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Matthew D McGraw
- Department of Pediatrics Pulmonology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Daniel P Croft
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Aleksandr Kalininskiy
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care, Rochester, New York, USA
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Hindocha C, McClure EA. Unknown population-level harms of cannabis and tobacco co-use: if you don't measure it, you can't manage it. Addiction 2021; 116:1622-1630. [PMID: 33047862 PMCID: PMC8041912 DOI: 10.1111/add.15290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nationally representative data of cannabis-tobacco co-use have shown that these substances are closely entwined and have significant adverse health consequences, although population-level harms of co-use are largely unknown. Current epidemiological research does not assess co-use in a manner that has yielded the necessary data to draw conclusions regarding health effects. This has given rise to a hidden population of co-users who go under-served. Therefore, this paper has two aims: (1) to review new challenges in the collection of co-use data due to rapidly changing regulations of cannabis and nicotine products and (2) to provide recommendations for the terminology and assessment of co-use. ARGUMENT We argue that: (1) the prevalence of co-use is not being assessed accurately at a population level and (2) changes in legalization have created novel challenges, but without proper monitoring the impact on co-use will go undetected. We propose a three-level tiered set of recommendations for co-use assessments, which includes assessments of cannabis, tobacco and co-use metrics ranging from least burdensome (self-report of co-administered products) to most burdensome (assays, event-level data). CONCLUSIONS We propose that clinical studies begin to incorporate cannabis-tobacco co-use assessments to justify better their inclusion in clinical trials and national surveillance surveys. Integration of co-use assessments will aid in understanding the true impact on co-use of the changing cannabis and tobacco/nicotine regulatory environments. Co-use is prevalent and problematic, and the ability to make conclusions about its health outcomes is hindered by lack of nuance in data collection. If you do not measure it, you cannot manage it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandni Hindocha
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London
- Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Research Department of Mental Health Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London
- University College Hospital National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre
| | - Erin A McClure
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, MSC 861, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina
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Mado H, Reichman-Warmusz E, Wojnicz R. The vaping product use associated lung injury: is this a new pulmonary disease entity? REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:145-157. [PMID: 34981704 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In the summer of 2019, an epidemic of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) broke out in the United States of America. EVALI is a lung disease that can be severe and life-threatening. It should be emphasized that EVALI is not a clinical diagnosis, but surveillance case definition. Due to the profile of users of such devices, the pathology mainly affects young adults, although cases of EVALI have been reported in almost all age groups, from teenage children to seniors. The worst prognosis is in patients over 35 years of age, with accompanying diseases. A significant number of patients declared the use of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The most likely factor responsible for the occurrence of EVALI is vitamin E acetate, which is sometimes added to liquids necessary for the use of electronic cigarette type devices, especially those liquids that contain THC. Nevertheless, it is possible that other substances used in liquids may also be a causative factor. Typical for EVALI are respiratory, gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms, while in imaging tests, a characteristic feature of EVALI is the presence of opacities on the chest radiogram and ground-glass clouds on computed tomography scans. In the course of this disease, respiratory failure often occurs (58%). In the vast majority of cases oxygen substitution is necessary. Currently, the best treatment of EVALI is considered to be the administration of systemic glucocorticosteroids. Over 90% of patients with EVALI required hospitalization, while the mortality rate was about 2.42%. Median age of the fatalities was 51 years. The aim of this review is to summarise the available information on EVALI and to consider possible causative factors and pathomechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Mado
- Department of Histology and Cell Pathology in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Edyta Reichman-Warmusz
- Department of Histology and Cell Pathology in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Romuald Wojnicz
- Department of Histology and Cell Pathology in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
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Guo W, Vrdoljak G, Liao VC, Moezzi B. Major Constituents of Cannabis Vape Oil Liquid, Vapor and Aerosol in California Vape Oil Cartridge Samples. Front Chem 2021; 9:694905. [PMID: 34368078 PMCID: PMC8333608 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.694905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) outbreak of August 2019 to February 2020, the California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Laboratory Branch received numerous cannabis vape oil cartridge investigation samples from throughout the state. Many of these products were directly linked to patients; others were collected as part of investigations. We determined the major ingredients and additives in twelve unused cannabis vape oil cartridge samples obtained before (n = 2) and during the EVALI outbreak (n = 10) in California from September 2018 to December 2019. We tested for major constituents in vape oil liquid, vape oil vapor, and vape oil aerosol phases. A nontargeted Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry direct injection screening method was developed for vape oils, a headspace heating module used for vape oil vapors and a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) vaping rig for aerosols generated by vaping. We have identified more than 100 terpenes and natural extracts, 19 cannabinoids, and other potential toxic additives such as Vitamin E Acetate, Polyethylene Glycols, and Medium Chain Triglycerides. We determined more terpenes and minor cannabinoids can be produced via vaporizing and aerosolizing the vape oil. Delta9-THC and potential toxic additives were found at lower levels in the vapor and aerosol than in the vape liquid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Guo
- Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States
| | - Gordon Vrdoljak
- Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States
| | - Ven-Chi Liao
- Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States
| | - Bahman Moezzi
- Food and Drug Laboratory Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States
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Almeida-da-Silva CLC, Matshik Dakafay H, O'Brien K, Montierth D, Xiao N, Ojcius DM. Effects of electronic cigarette aerosol exposure on oral and systemic health. Biomed J 2021; 44:252-259. [PMID: 33039378 PMCID: PMC8358192 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional cigarette smoke harms nearly every organ of the body and is the leading cause of death in the United States and in the world. Decades of research have associated conventional cigarette smoke with several diseases and death. Heavily marketed, electronic nicotine delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are available in a variety of flavors and high nicotine concentrations. In 2019, a severe lung disease outbreak linked to e-cigarette use led to several deaths, which was called electronic-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Even though the trend of e-cigarette use among teens continues to increase, information on the effects of e-cigarette smoke on oral and overall health are still scarce. This review discusses the possible health effects due to unregulated e-cigarette use, as well as the health effects of second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke on non-smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harmony Matshik Dakafay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenji O'Brien
- Dental Surgery Program, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dallin Montierth
- Dental Surgery Program, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David M Ojcius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Morel Espinosa M, Blount BC, Valentin-Blasini L. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring vitamin E acetate in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1171:122607. [PMID: 33740693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the suitability of isotope-dilution liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for identifying vitamin E acetate (VEA) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. This new method demonstrates high accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity, with mean recoveries higher than 90%, coefficients of variation ranging from 1.5% to 4.5%, and a limit of detection of 1.10 ng/mL. Calibration curves were linear (R2 > 0.99). The linear range and detection limit of the method were adequate for identifying VEA in 48 of 51 BAL fluid samples collected from people with lung injury resulting from e-cigarettes, or vaping, product use. We conclude that this method is an effective tool for studying VEA accumulation in lungs caused by using e-cigarettes, or vaping, products that contain VEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morel Espinosa
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Benjamin C Blount
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Liza Valentin-Blasini
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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