Summary
Introduction:
This text reviews the current literature to evaluate the relationship between e-cig use, endothelial damage, and erectile dysfunction (ED). The text discusses the potential mechanism of ED caused by e-cig use through endothelial damage.
Key Points:
* E-cig use induces oxidative stress and inflammation in endothelial tissue, leading to endothelial damage.
* Endothelial dysfunction is a potential mechanism for ED.
* There is a paucity of studies evaluating the relationship between e-cig use and ED.
* Nicotine exposure from traditional cigarettes can cause vasogenic ED, but there have not been human trials to determine if e-cigs have the same effect.
* Recent mouse studies have shown that e-cig exposure causes increased MPO expression, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in the corpora cavernosa, but human studies are needed to support these findings.
* More studies, specifically clinical trials, are needed to establish any relationship between vaping and ED.
* E-cigs, especially popular in the young population, must be used with caution as they cause deleterious effects on human endothelial tissue that can be comparable with cigarette smoking depending on frequency of use and the use of nicotine.
Main Message:
The main message of this text is that while e-cig use has been shown to cause endothelial damage, which is a potential mechanism for ED, more studies are needed to establish a direct link between e-cig use and ED. E-cigs, especially among the young population, must be used with caution due to the deleterious effects on human endothelial tissue.
Citation
Pincus J, Sandoval V, Dick B, et al. E-Cigarette-associated Endothelial Damage: a Potential Mechanism for Erectile Dysfunction. Sexual medicine reviews. 2022;10(1):168-173. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.01.003
