PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN LUNG TISSUE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES. LITERATURE REVIEW.

Abstract

Background: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained substantial popularity worldwide, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Their aerosols contain nicotine, flavoring agents, propylene glycol, glycerol, and thermal degradation by-products capable of reaching the distal airways and inducing inflammatory, fibrotic, and potentially precancerous alterations. Coordinated public health measures are necessary to mitigate the global burden of e-cigarette– related respiratory disease. Aim: To synthesize current evidence on morphological changes in lung tissue following exposure to e-cigarette aerosols. Search strategy: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and e-Library databases for studies published between from 2015 to March 2025. Search terms included “electronic nicotine delivery systems,” “vaping,” “lungs,” “morphology,” and “oxidative stress.” Eligible publications comprised systematic reviews and original research in English and Russian. Results: Data analysis revealed a marked increase in e-cigarette use over the last decade. Given the direct inhalation route, pathological changes predominantly occur in lung tissue, including acute epithelial injury, chronic inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling. Conclusions: E-cigarette aerosols exert deleterious effects on the respiratory system, with potential mechanisms involving oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine activation, and suppression of DNA repair. Further morphological and immunohistochemical studies are warranted to elucidate long-term pulmonary consequences.