Short-term effects of electronic cigarettes on cerebrovascular function: a time course study.

Introduction:
This article presents a study on the effects of electronic cigarettes (Ecigs) on cerebrovascular function in rats. The study evaluates the temporal influence of Ecigs on the middle cerebral artery (MCa) and determines how long after exposure the MCa responses take to return to normal. The researchers hypothesized that a single vape exposure would induce rapid impairment of MCa endothelial function, likely resolving within 24 hours.

Key Points:

* The study used male Sprague Dawley rats exposed to either Ecigs or traditional cigarettes (3R4F Reference cigarette) in a whole-body chamber.
* Exposure to Ecigs and traditional cigarettes resulted in rapid impairment of MCa endothelial function, and the impairment persisted for up to 3 days.
* Changes in endothelial-independent dilation responses were less severe and shorter-lived compared to endothelial-dependent dilation responses.
* Vasoconstriction in response to serotonin (5-hT) was similar to endothelial-independent dilation responses, with greatest impairment within 24 hours of exposure and recovery by Day 2.
* Ecig (without nicotine) and cigarette (with nicotine) exposure produced the same effects, suggesting that nicotine is not likely triggering MCa dysfunction and vaping has the potential to produce the same vascular harm and/or disease as smoking.
* a single exposure to Ecigs or traditional cigarettes increased circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, demonstrating that a single exposure likely triggers maladaptive cellular/molecular responses.
* Impaired vascular function may be prodromic for cerebrovascular disease when compounded with chronic, daily, vaping.

Main Message:
The study highlights the potential risks associated with Ecig use and the similar vascular harm and/or disease it may cause compared to traditional cigarettes. The results emphasize the need for further research on the long-term effects of Ecig use and the importance of public education on the potential risks associated with Ecig use. additionally, the study suggests that regulatory measures should consider the potential vascular harm caused by Ecigs, especially in light of the increasing popularity of vaping as a smoking cessation tool.

Mills a, Dakhlallah D, Robinson M, et al. Short-term effects of electronic cigarettes on cerebrovascular function: a time course study. Experimental physiology. 2022;107(8):994-1006. doi:10.1113/EP090341