Effects of electronic cigarette on platelet and vascular function after four months of use.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) on platelet and vascular function compared to traditional cigarettes in smokers after a four-month period. The study focuses on platelet function, arterial stiffness, and oxidative stress markers.

Key Points:

* The study involved 40 smokers who were randomized to smoke either traditional cigarettes or e-cigs with a nicotine concentration of 12 mg/ml for four months.
* Platelet function was assessed using Platelet Function analyzer PFa-100 and Light Transmission aggregometry.
* Pulse wave velocity, plasma malondialdehyde levels, and exhaled CO levels were also measured.
* after four months, continuation of traditional cigarette smoking further impaired platelet function, while e-cig use resulted in a neutral effect.
* E-cig use also reduced arterial stiffness and oxidative stress compared to traditional cigarette smoking.
* The study suggests that switching to e-cigs for four months has a neutral effect on platelet function, while reducing arterial stiffness and oxidative stress compared to traditional cigarette smoking.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that e-cig use may have less detrimental effects on platelet and vascular function compared to traditional cigarette smoking in the short term. however, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of e-cig use on cardiovascular health. additionally, it is important to note that e-cig use is not without risks and should not be recommended as a safe alternative to traditional cigarette smoking.

Ikonomidis I, Katogiannis K, Kostelli G, et al. Effects of electronic cigarette on platelet and vascular function after four months of use. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research association. 2020;141:111389. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2020.111389