Impact of E-cig aerosol vaping on fetal and neonatal respiratory development and function

Electronic cigarette (e-cig) use has increased over the past decade, and exposure to e-cig aerosols during pregnancy raises concern for maternal and fetal health. The developing fetal lung is known to be sensitive to prenatal tobacco product exposure. Utilizing a 3-pronged approach, we examined the effects of prenatal ecig aerosols with, and without nicotine on respiratory development in a murine model. RNAseq analysis of fetal lungs revealed extensive dysregulation in gene expression. Morphologic assessment of distal airspaces in neonatal lungs display an emphysematic phenotype. Respiratory mechanics of neonates display signs of increased respiratory workload, with increased resistance and decreased compliance. These data are novel and provide evidence that prenatal e-cig exposure may result in altered lung function or development of disease. (Translational Research 2022; 246:102-114)

Automated summary

Exposure to e-cig aerosols during pregnancy may adversely affect fetal lung development and function. Using a murine model, researchers found that prenatal e-cig exposure resulted in dysregulated gene expression, emphysematic phenotype in neonatal lungs, and increased respiratory workload in newborns.