Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a research study that examines the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and circulating angiogenic cells (CaCs), which are cells that contribute to vascular repair. The study aims to understand the effect of e-cigarette use on vascular health by analyzing CaC levels in 324 participants.
Key Points:
* The study includes 324 participants who are never tobacco users, sole e-cigarette users, sole combustible cigarette users, and dual users.
* Fifteen subpopulations of CaCs were measured in the peripheral blood using a seven-color flow cytometry procedure.
* Sole cigarette use was significantly associated with higher levels of two endothelial marker CaCs.
* Dual users had higher levels of four endothelial marker CaCs and one early progenitor/stem marker CaC.
* Sole e-cigarette users had higher levels of one endothelial and one leukocyte marker CaC.
* The study suggests that CaCs may be informative biomarkers of changes in vascular health due to tobacco product use.
Main Message:
The study found that both sole and dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes were associated with higher levels of endothelial origin CaCs, indicating vascular injury. Sole use of e-cigarettes was associated with higher endothelial and inflammatory CaCs, suggesting ongoing systemic injury. The distinct patterns of changes in CaC subpopulations suggest that CaCs may be useful biomarkers of vascular health in e-cigarette and tobacco product users. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on vascular health.
Citation
amraotkar aR, Owolabi US, Malovichko MV, et al. association of electronic cigarette use with circulating angiogenic cell levels in healthy young adults: Evidence for chronic systemic injury. Vascular medicine (London, England). 2023;28(1):18-27. doi:10.1177/1358863X221126205
