Vaping Induced Cannabidiol (CBD) Oxidation Product CBD Quinone Forms Protein Adducts with KEAP1 and Activates KEAP1-Nrf2 Genes

Chem Res Toxicol. 2023 Apr 17;36(4):565-569. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00038. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD) vaping products have become widely available in the U.S. since their legalization in 2018. However, little is known about their respiratory health effects. Here we show that aerosolization of commercial CBD vaping products generates a reactive CBD quinone (CBDQ) which forms adducts with protein cysteine residues. Using click chemistry and a novel in vitro vaping product exposure system (VaPES), we further demonstrate that CBDQ forms adducts with human bronchial epithelial cell proteins including Keap1 and activates KEAP1-Nrf2 stress response pathway genes. These results suggest that vaping CBD alters protein function and induces cellular stress pathways in the lung.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Benzoquinones
  • Cannabidiol* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1 / genetics
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1 / metabolism
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / genetics
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2 / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Vaping*

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Cannabidiol
  • KEAP1 protein, human
  • Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • quinone