A common vape flavoring may disrupt early embryo development
A popular vanilla flavoring in e-cigarettes may interfere with some of the earliest steps of human development. In lab experiments, vanillin caused embryonic stem cells to lose their ability to develop normally and pushed them toward forming only certain types of tissue.
A study by UC Riverside researchers suggests that a flavoring chemical found in e-cigarettes, vanillin, may disrupt normal early development of human embryos in pregnant women who use the devices. Conducted in the laboratory using human embryonic stem cells, the research found that micromolar concentrations of vanillin killed the cells, while nanomolar concentrations caused them to lose their ability to develop into various cell types.
The research points to a cellular channel called TRPV4 as the mechanism through which vanillin exerts its effects on embryonic cells. The researchers caution that nanomolar concentrations of vanillin may reach developing embryos in pregnant women who vape, and advise caution for women experiencing difficulty conceiving or miscarriages. They also suggest that regulatory policies should consider the potential harm to unborn children.
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