Expression of Key Inflammatory Proteins Is Increased in Immune Cells From Tobacco Cigarette Smokers But Not Electronic Cigarette Vapers: Implications for atherosclerosis.

Introduction:
This text is a research letter published in the Journal of the american heart association, which examines the expression of key inflammatory proteins in immune cells from tobacco cigarette smokers and electronic cigarette vapers. The study aims to understand the implications of smoking and vaping on atherosclerosis.

Key Points:

* The study included 33 otherwise healthy young individuals, including 9 long-term tobacco cigarette smokers, 12 long-term electronic cigarette vapers, and 12 non-smokers.
* The researchers measured the expression of key proteins in the TLR4-inflammasome-IL-6 signaling axis, including caspase-1, TLR4, and IL-6R-α, in peripheral blood monocytes.
* The study found that caspase-1 levels were significantly increased in monocytes from tobacco cigarette smokers, but not in electronic cigarette vapers, compared with nonsmokers.
* The study also found that TLR4 levels were significantly increased in tobacco cigarette smokers but not in electronic cigarette vapers compared with nonsmokers.
* IL-6R-α levels were markedly increased in tobacco cigarette smokers but not in electronic cigarette vapers compared with nonsmokers.
* The study suggests that electronic cigarettes may represent a harm reduction approach to those addicted to tobacco cigarettes who are unwilling or unable to quit.
* The study was supported by the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, UCOP, National Institutes of health, and the National Center for advancing Translational Science.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential harm reduction benefits of electronic cigarettes compared to tobacco cigarettes. The findings suggest that electronic cigarettes do not increase the expression of key inflammatory proteins associated with atherosclerosis, unlike tobacco cigarettes. however, the study emphasizes the need for further research to understand the long-term health effects of electronic cigarette use. Nevertheless, the study provides evidence that electronic cigarettes may be a safer alternative for tobacco cigarette smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit.

Kelesidis T, Zhang Y, Tran E, Sosa G, Middlekauff hR. Expression of Key Inflammatory Proteins Is Increased in Immune Cells From Tobacco Cigarette Smokers But Not Electronic Cigarette Vapers: Implications for atherosclerosis. Journal of the american heart association. 2021;10(1):1. doi:10.1161/Jaha.120.019324