A single consumption of heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or cigarettes led to a significant inflammatory reaction, endothelial dysfunction, and increased arterial stiffness in 40 active smokers.
RCT (n=40)
Partly double-blind
Randomized cross-over
Does the consumption of heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or combustible cigarettes increase inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in active smokers?
Even a single use of alternative nicotine delivery systems like heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes induces acute inflammation and endothelial dysfunction similar to combustible cigarettes.
In addition to the market launch of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and the JUUL as well as the EVALI, they caused a widespread discussion on the risk reduction compared to a combustible cigarette. Furthermore, first data showed harmful effects on the cardiovascular system. We, therefore, conducted investigations including a control group with a nicotine-free liquid. Forty active smokers were studied in two different approaches during and after consuming an HTP, a cigarette, a JUUL, or a typical electronic cigarette with or without nicotine in a partly double-blinded randomised, cross-over trial. Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and blood samples (full blood count, ELISA, multiplex immunoassay) were analysed, and arterial stiffness was measured. In addition to the cigarette, an increase in the white blood cell count but also in proinflammatory cytokines was shown for the various nicotine delivery systems. These correlated with the parameters of arterial vascular stiffness as a clinical parameter of endothelial dysfunction. It can be shown that even a single consumption of the different nicotine delivery system or cigarette leads to a significant inflammatory reaction followed by endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness causing cardiovascular disease. Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness should be addressed in long-term observational studies.
Belkin et al. (Mon,) conducted a rct in Active smokers (n=40). Heated tobacco products, JUUL, e-cigarettes, and combustible cigarettes vs. Nicotine-free liquid was evaluated on Inflammation (white blood cell count, proinflammatory cytokines), endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. A single consumption of heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or cigarettes led to a significant inflammatory reaction, endothelial dysfunction, and increased arterial stiffness in 40 active smokers.