First-of-its-kind study in endothelial stem cells finds exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarette use exacerbates cell dysfunction
Endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammation often precursors to heart disease
There has been a rapid rise in e-cigarette use, but its health effects have not been well-studied and their effect on vascular health remains unknown. A first of its kind study in endothelial stem cells, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found acute exposure to flavored e-liquids or e-cigarette use exacerbates endothelial cell dysfunction, which often precedes heart disease.
Endothelial cells are the main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels and the heart.
The researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs) from three healthy individuals and a subject population consisting of five healthy non-smokers, five active cigarette smokers, two dual users of e-cigarettes and cigarettes, and two sole users of e-cigarettes. All subjects were healthy individuals free of other major cardiovascular risk factors. The researchers examined the effects of e-liquids on endothelial cell viability by treating the iPSC-ECs with a dilution of six commercially available e-liquids at varying nicotine concentrations. They found all six flavored e-liquids had varying effects on cell survival and observed the presence of pro-inflammatory markers that are known to play a critical role in the development of vascular disease.
The researchers observed the fruit-flavored, sweet tobacco with undertones of caramel and vanilla-flavored, tobacco-flavored Red Oak Tennessee Cured, and sweet-flavored Butter Scotch all had moderate toxic effects on the cells, with the strongest toxic effect coming from the cinnamon-flavored Marcado. They also found menthol tobacco-flavored Tundra had a strong toxic effect at 1 percent dose of concentration with or without nicotine.
The researchers performed other tests to examine endothelial function in iPSC-ECs after the addition of e-liquids and serum from e-cigarette users, and the effect of acute e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking on serum nicotine levels, among others.
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