Changes in the liver of mice exposed to waterpipe and electronic cigarette smoke for 90 days

Abstract

The use of waterpipes and e-cigarettes, marketed as less harmful alternatives, has raised health concerns. Waterpipe smoke releases over 4,800 identified chemicals, including toxic substances. E-cigarettes, too, contain harmful elements like formaldehyde and heavy metals. In this way, both can be detrimental to the health of users and deserve attention and research in addition to damage to the airways. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential changes in the liver tissue of mice exposed to these e-cigarretes and waterpipes, considering that there are studies demonstrating changes in the liver associated with conventional cigarettes It is therefore expected that there will also be changes associated with them in liver tissue.  Thirty female Swiss mice were divided into control, e-cigarette, and waterpipe groups, exposed to 4 grams of Mizo® apple-flavored waterpipe tobacco and Bamboo Brazil® charcoal and Electronic Cigarette-Joyetech® and VapeBoss® Salt line E-liquid 35 mg of nicotine for 30 minutes daily for 90 days. The Waterpipe Group exhibited histological changes such as hemorrhagic extravasation, hepatocyte vacuolization, and Kupffer cell alterations. The E-cigarette Group displayed inflammation, hemorrhagic extravasation, Kupffer cell increase, vascular dilatation, hepatocyte vacuolization, and blood vessel ectasia. The study concludes that both e-cigarette and waterpipe smoke have the potential to induce liver changes, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the consequences of their usage on health. Despite the identified harm in studies, there is a lack of policies or regulations regarding the use of waterpipe, highlighting the importance of public health measures to address these concerns.

Keywords: Waterpipe; E-cigarettes; Tobacco; Liver; liver changes.