Melatonin Vapes Contain Potential Contaminants and Alter the Human Bronchial Epithelial Transcriptome

Chem Res Toxicol. 2024 Dec 16;37(12):1919-1923. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00295. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Abstract

Melatonin vaping products, touted for their faster absorption than oral melatonin supplements, have been gaining popularity among adolescents as sleep aid. Here, we elucidated the response of human bronchial epithelial cells (hBECs) to high levels of melatonin from vaped aerosols, investigated the uptake of melatonin by hBECs in vitro, and characterized the chemical composition of three commercially available melatonin vapes. Melatonin vape exposure decreased the secretion of chemokines and produced an immunosuppressive gene expression signature. The tested devices contained potential contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Further investigation is needed for melatonin vapes to determine their local and systemic toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchi* / cytology
  • Bronchi* / drug effects
  • Bronchi* / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epithelial Cells* / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Melatonin* / pharmacology
  • Transcriptome* / drug effects

Substances

  • Melatonin