Masters Theses
Keywords and Phrases
Aerosol toxicity; Electronic cigarette; Ocular health; Vaping
Abstract
As electronic cigarette consumption continues to escalate globally, its impact on non-respiratory mucosal surfaces, particularly the ocular surface, remains largely understudied. This study investigated the toxicological effects of e-cigarette aerosols using a human corneal epithelial cell (HCE-2) model. Our findings reveal that aerosol exposure induces a significant, dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, exacerbated by higher device wattage and specific flavor agents such as watermelon. Exposure was found to trigger intracellular oxidative stress and the activation of apoptotic pathways, leading to programmed cell death. Furthermore, the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines suggests that vaping may predispose users to chronic inflammatory conditions of the ocular surface. These results provide critical evidence that e-cigarette use poses a substantial risk to ocular homeostasis, highlighting the need for increased clinical awareness regarding vaping-associated ocular complications.
Advisor(s)
Huang, Yue-Wern
Committee Member(s)
Yang, Hu
Shannon, Katie
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
M.S. in Biological Sciences
Publisher
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation
Paper I, found on pages 3–55, is intended for submission to Toxicology in Vitro.
Pagination
x, 57 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 24 & 42)
Rights
© 2026 Tzu-Ling Lin , All Rights Reserved
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Thesis Number
T 12597
Recommended Citation
Lin, Tzu-Ling, "Wattage- and Composition-Dependent Ocular Surface Toxicity: An In Vitro Study on E-Cigarette Aerosol Exposure in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells" (2026). Masters Theses. 8286.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/8286
