WITH CAMERON BROWN AND DR. QING LIU, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Electronic cigarettes have gained popularity due to the misconception of them being a safer alternative. However, the side effects of additives found in vapes are under-researched. This study evaluates the toxicity of nicotine and propylene glycol at low concentrations utilizing human stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes. Human embryonic stem cells were differentiated into cardiomyocytes to create an in vitro human cardiac model. The mature cardiomyocytes were treated with L-nicotine and propylene glycol at a series of concentrations for 48 hours to evaluate toxicity. After treatment, the cells were stained with mitochondrial indicator dyes that were used to detect relative superoxide and ATP concentrations. Cell imaging through Cytation 5 was done to quantify these concentrations. The concentrations were evaluated to determine the mitochondrial function of the treated cells, which is a significant factor in determining heart health due to the mitochondria’s key role in producing ATP for the heart. There were no significant changes in superoxide and ATP levels during the 48 hour time period for the concentrations tested. Future testing involves testing different nicotine derivatives, as well as more precise testing of mitochondrial bioenergetics using Seahorse assay to detect mitochondrial respiration rate. Evaluating the Impact of E-Cigarette Additives on Cardiomyocyte Mitochondrial Function
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