Gambadauro Antonella, Galletta Francesca, Andrenacci Beatrice, Foti Randazzese Simone, Patria Maria Francesca, Manti Sara
Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy.
S.C. Pneumoinfettivologia Pediatrica, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Antioxidants (Basel). 2025 Feb 25;14(3):262. doi: 10.3390/antiox14030262.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) recently increased their popularity as "safer" alternatives to traditional tobacco smoking, including among pregnant women. However, the effect of e-cig exposure on fetal and neonatal developing lungs remains poorly investigated. In this review, we analysed the impact of e-cig aerosol components (e.g., nicotine, solvents, and flavouring agents) on respiratory system development. We particularly emphasized the role of e-cig-related oxidative stress and inflammation on lung impairment. Nicotine contained in e-cigs can impair lung development at anatomical and molecular levels. Solvents and flavours induce inflammation and oxidative stress and contribute to compromising neonatal lung function. Studies suggest that prenatal e-cig aerosol exposure may increase the risk of future development of respiratory diseases in offspring, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Preventive strategies, such as smoking cessation programs and antioxidant supplementation, may be essential for safeguarding respiratory health. There is an urgent need to explore the safety profile and potential risks of e-cigs, especially considering the limited studies in humans. This review highlights the necessity of regulating e-cig use during pregnancy and promoting awareness of its potential consequences on fetal and neonatal development.
电子烟（e-cigs）作为传统吸烟的“更安全”替代品，近年来越来越受欢迎，孕妇群体中亦是如此。然而，电子烟暴露对胎儿和新生儿发育中的肺部的影响仍未得到充分研究。在这篇综述中，我们分析了电子烟气溶胶成分（如尼古丁、溶剂和调味剂）对呼吸系统发育的影响。我们特别强调了与电子烟相关的氧化应激和炎症对肺部损伤的作用。电子烟中的尼古丁会在解剖学和分子水平上损害肺部发育。溶剂和调味剂会引发炎症和氧化应激，并导致新生儿肺功能受损。研究表明，产前暴露于电子烟气溶胶可能会增加后代未来患呼吸系统疾病的风险，如哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）。戒烟计划和补充抗氧化剂等预防策略对于保障呼吸健康可能至关重要。迫切需要探索电子烟的安全性和潜在风险，尤其是考虑到针对人类的研究有限。这篇综述强调了在孕期规范使用电子烟以及提高对其对胎儿和新生儿发育潜在后果的认识的必要性。
