Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses in Rat Organs Following Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosol

I. R. GRIDINA

J. 2026, 106(2): 74–82

Experimental medicine

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses in Rat Organs Following Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosol

I. R. GRIDINA

Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, Odesa, Ukraine
E-mail: inna_gridina@ukr.net

Received: 07-06-2026

Accepted: 23-09-2026

Published: 28-09-2026

Abstract

Abstract. Despite the long-term implementation of tobacco control strategies, cigarette smoking and emerging nicotine-containing products remain significant public health concerns. Of particular concern is the increasing prevalence of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among adolescents, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of their potential pathophysiological effects. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2023), approximately 20.0 % of Ukrainian adolescents use electronic cigarettes, highlighting the widespread nature of this phenomenon and the need to assess associated health risks.

Purpose. To evaluate the state of the prooxidant–antioxidant system and the development of inflammatory responses in rats exposed to passive smoking by determining oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and C-reactive protein levels.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats (3 months old, 190–250 g), randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10): control, passive tobacco smoke exposure, and passive electronic cigarette aerosol exposure. Animals were exposed for 20 days in specialized inhalation chambers. The passive smoking group was exposed to Pryluky Light cigarettes (0.6 mg nicotine, 12 mg tar), whereas the electronic cigarette group was exposed to aerosol generated by an Elf Bar 1500 Ultra device. Oxidative stress intensity was assessed by measuring diene conjugates and malondialdehyde levels, while antioxidant status was evaluated through superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The levels of C-reactive protein were assessed in homogenates of the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Quantification was performed using spectrophotometric and immunoturbidimetric assays following standardized protocols.

Results. The content of diene conjugates increased significantly by 2.2fold and 1.8-fold in the passive tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette aerosol groups, respectively, compared with the control group. Malondialdehyde levels increased by 2.1-fold in the passive smoking group and by 1.3-fold in the electronic cigarette group. Catalase activity decreased by 32.2 % and 18.7 %, respectively, whereas SOD activity was reduced by 33.0 % in both experimental groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). An increase in C-reactive protein levels was observed in all studied organs; the most pronounced changes were detected in the kidneys and liver (p < 0.05).

Conclusions. Passive exposure to tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette aerosol induces oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in male rats. Although the prooxidant effect of electronic cigarette aerosol was less pronounced than that of tobacco smoke, it was also associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings indicate the need for further investigation of the potential health consequences of electronic cigarette use, particularly in the context of their increasing prevalence among adolescents.

Keywords: smoking, electronic cigarettes, oxidative stress, antioxidant system, lipid peroxidation, rats

Full text: PDF (Ukr)

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