E-Cigarette Flavoring Chemicals Induce Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells

E-cigarette-related hospitalizations and deaths across the U.S. continue to increase. A high percentage of patients have elevated liver function tests indicative of systemic toxicity. This study was designed to determine the effect of e-cigarette chemicals on liver cell toxicity. HepG2 cells were exposed to flavoring chemicals (isoamyl acetate, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, ethyl maltol, l-menthol, and trans-cinnamaldehyde), propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin mixtures, and cell viability was measured. Data revealed that vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and ethyl maltol decreased HepG2 cell viability; repeated exposure caused increased cytotoxicity relative to single exposure, consistent with the hypothesis that frequent vaping can cause hepatotoxicity.