ALTERAÇÕES HISTOPATOLÓGICAS NO SISTEMA RESPIRATÓRIO EM DECORRÊNCIA DO USO DE CIGARRO ELETRÔNICO

Abstract

ABSTRACT - Introduction: The electronic cigarette was developed as an alternative to the conventional cigarette. Its mechanism of action involves the inhalation of numerous substances that are associated with a potential for cytotoxicity leading to histopathological changes in the respiratory system. Objective: To review scientific literature on histopathological changes in the respiratory system induced by EC substances. Methods: Literature review, with a search for articles in the PubMed, Scielo and Google Scholar databases between July and October 2023. The search was carried out with 19 articles from 2019 to 2023, using the descriptors: “histology”, “e-cigarettes” and “lung injuries”. Results: Vaping contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, vitamin E acetate and nicotine, substances that causes damage to the respiratory system. Tissue studies in different histological stains showed: exposure to infiltration of inflammatory cells, aggregation of macrophages, granulomatous inflammation and significant hyperplasia of mucosal cells in groups that obtained the substance propylene glycol and vitamin E acetate. In relation to the cytological preparation of bronchoalveolar lavage, inflammatory cells were found leading to endogenous lipoid pneumonia. Other tests revealed a pattern of acute lung injury - diffuse alveolar damage and acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia. Other research has noted that vitamin E acetate acts on surfactant, preventing it from maintaining the surface tension of the pulmonary alveoli. In the case of nicotine use, exposure to nicotine causes apoptosis and the release of inflammatory proteins, leading to the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa, submucosa and glandular tissue of the airways. Conclusion: The literature shows that the use of electronic cigarettes is harmless to the body. The changes reported range from hyperplasia of the respiratory epithelium, inflammatory changes, lipoid pneumonia, acute pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage, among others.

KEYWORDS – Histology. Electronic Cigarette. Respiratory System.