Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a scientific study investigating the impact of e-cigarette use on vascular function in healthy volunteers. The study compares the effects of e-cigarettes with and without nicotine on extracellular vesicles (EVs) of endothelial and platelet origin.
Key Points:
* The study had 17 healthy young occasional smokers (maximum of 10 cigarettes per month) who inhaled e-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine for 30 minutes in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design.
* Blood samples were taken at baseline and following exposure at 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours, and EVs from platelets and endothelial cells were measured by flow cytometry.
* Platelet and endothelial derived EVs were significantly increased with peak levels seen at 4 hours following exposure to active inhalation of e-cigarette vapor with nicotine.
* Platelet derived EVs expressing P-selectin and CD40 ligand were also significantly increased following inhalation of e-cigarette vapor with nicotine.
* Platelet derived EVs expressing CD40 ligand were increased after inhalation of e-cigarette vapor without nicotine.
* The study suggests that as few as 30 puffs of nicotine-containing e-cigarette vapor can cause an increase in levels of circulating EVs of endothelial and platelet origin, indicating underlying vascular changes.
* The study also indicates that nicotine, as a component in the vapor, has a more compelling effect on extracellular vesicle formation and protein composition.
Main Message:
The study underscores the potential harm of e-cigarette use, particularly those containing nicotine, on vascular function. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use can cause vascular stress and inflammation, similar to traditional cigarette smoking. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be cautious when advocating the use of e-cigarettes, especially those containing nicotine, as a smoking cessation aid.
Citation
Mobarrez F, antoniewicz L, hedman L, Bosson Ja, Lundbäck M. Electronic cigarettes containing nicotine increase endothelial and platelet derived extracellular vesicles in healthy volunteers. atherosclerosis. 2020;301:93-100. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.02.010
