Effects of E-cigarettes on Physiological Pathways and Proposed Therapeutic Intervention with Bixin

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have increased in popularity and usage over the last few decades. While e-cigs were originally introduced as a healthy alternative to cigarette smoking, recent research has demonstrated the cytotoxic effects of nicotinic e-cig devices^[1]. E-cigs cause damage on multiple cell types, including epithelial and endothelial cells, along with causing dysregulation of inflammatory pathways. This review will discuss the harmful effects of e-cigs on the human body, highlighting the physiological effects of e-cigs on pulmonary, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular health.

Moreover, this review will highlight the potential therapeutic effects of bixin, an apocarotenoid found in the seeds of Bixa orellana, also known as the achiote tree. Bixin has innate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities that have been demonstrated in recent research. Nanotechnology has surfaced in the past few decades as a powerful tool for medicinal practice. Specifically, nanoparticles serve as a potential method for treating a wide variety of conditions and diseases. Bixin nanoparticles show promise as a viable method for the treatment of e-cig induced damage due to the innate properties of bixin along with the advantages of using nanoparticles compared to conventional medicinal interventions.