Electronic Cigarette Use Research Articles

Evidence-based treatment approaches for adolescent electronic cigarette use.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most commonly used tobacco product by adolescents. This article describes the harmful effects of e-cigarette use in adolescents and how to evaluate for severity of nicotine dependence. It also provides an overview of treatment approaches, including behavioral interventions, contingency interventions, pharmacologic options, school-based programs, combination and emerging approaches, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Immunological Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use: A Review of Current Evidence.

Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products, but their impact on immune function has raised significant health concerns. This review explores the immunological effects of EC exposure, focusing on innate and adaptive immune responses. Electronic cigarette aerosol (ECA) induces widespread inflammation. These changes compromise immune cell function, impairing neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst while increasing macrophage and dendritic cell recruitment and activation. ECA also disrupts epithelial barriers, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Studies show enhanced biofilm formation in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and impaired antiviral responses against pathogens like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, EC exposure modulates adaptive immunity, affecting T and B cell function and increasing systemic inflammatory markers. The long-term consequences of these immunological disruptions include heightened risks for chronic inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, and potentially autoimmune conditions. The widespread adoption of EC, particularly among younger users, poses a growing public health challenge. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, these immunological disruptions could result in increased healthcare burdens in the future, with higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and immune system-related disorders among those who begin using e-cigarettes at a young age. Understanding the full scope of EC-related health risks is essential for informing public health policies and protecting future generations from the potential long-term effects of vaping.

The impact of electronic cigarette use on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Systematic review and Meta-analysis

The impact of electronic cigarette use on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Systematic review and Meta-analysis

Electronic cigarette vape decreases nitric oxide bioavailability in vascular smooth muscle cells via increased cytoglobin-mediated metabolism.

Cytoglobin (Cygb) regulates vascular tone by modulating nitric oxide (NO) metabolism in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the presence of its cytochrome B5a (B5)/B5 reductase-isoform-3 (B5R) reducing system, Cygb controls NO metabolism via oxygen-dependent NO dioxygenation. Electronic cigarette (EC) use has been shown to induce vascular dysfunction and decrease NO bioavailability; however, the role of Cygb-mediated NO metabolism in the pathophysiology of this process has not been previously investigated. Therefore, we utilized aortic VSMCs with EC vape extract (ECE) exposure to elucidate the effects of EC vape constituents on NO degradation and alterations in the process of Cygb-mediated NO metabolism. VSMCs were exposed to ECE, either nicotine-free (ECEV) or nicotine-containing (ECEN), for various durations. NO decay rates were measured along with cellular expression of Cygb and its B5/B5R reducing system. Exposure to ECEV led to a much higher rate of NO consumption by VSMCs, with an even larger effect following ECEN exposure. With 4h of exposure, a modest increase in NO decay rate occurred that was followed by much higher increases with exposure times of 24-48h. This effect was paralleled by upregulation of Cygb and B5/B5R expression. siRNA-mediated knock-down of Cygb expression largely reversed this ECE-induced increase in NO metabolism rate. Thus, ECE exposure led to increased Cygb-mediated NO metabolism in VSMCs with diminished NO bioavailability, which in turn can play a key role in EC-induced vascular dysfunction.

Penggunaan Rokok Elektrik (Vape) Di Kalangan Perempuan Kota Pekanbaru

The purpose of this study was to determine the reasons and extent of women's understanding of the risks of e-cigarettes among women in Pekanbaru City. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. Researchers analyzed data using a case study method in which researchers conducted observations, interviews and documentation. To obtain informants, researchers used the Accidental Sampling technique, which is a method of accidental sampling by taking cases or informants who happened to be there or available at the time of the study. The types and sources of data used are primary and secondary data. In this study, researchers wanted to find out the reasons why women in Pekanbaru City use e-cigarettes and whether they know the risks they will get, such as health risks, cultural risks and economic risks. Then researchers used Max Weber's theory of social action, which has 4 types of actions including instrumental actions where someone assesses the best way to achieve a goal, value actions where someone cannot assess the right or wrong method chosen, affective actions are actions taken because of emotional impulses and traditional actions which are carried out based on hereditary habits. The use of electronic cigarettes among women in Pekanbaru City was analyzed using a social action perspective. Of the 5 main informants that the researcher had interviewed, the results were that 3 informants were included in traditional actions and 2 people were included in value actions.

Pathophysiological Responses of Oral Keratinocytes After Exposure to Flavored E-Cigarette Liquids

Background: Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) have grown in popularity, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Flavored ECIG-liquids (E-liquids) are aerosolized by these ECIGs and inhaled into the respiratory system. Several studies have shown detrimental effects of E-liquids in airway tissues, revealing that flavoring agents may be the most irritating component. However, research on the effects of E-liquids on biological processes of the oral cavity, which is the first site of aerosol contact, is limited. Hence, this study focuses on the effects of E-liquid flavors on oral epithelial cells using the OKF6/TERT-2 cell line model. Methodology: E-liquid was prepared with and without flavors (tobacco, menthol, cinnamon, and strawberry). OKF6/TERT-2 oral epithelial cells, cultured at 37 °C and 5% CO2, were exposed to 1% E-liquid ± flavors for 24 h. Outcomes determined include cell morphology, media pH, wound healing capability, oxidative stress, expression of mucin and tight junction genes, glycoprotein release, and levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8). Results: Exposure to 1% flavored E-liquids negatively affect cellular confluency, adherence, and morphology. E-liquids ± flavors, particularly cinnamon, increase oxidative stress and production of IL-8, curtail wound healing recovery, and decrease glycoprotein release. Gene expression of muc5b is downregulated after exposure to E-liquids. In contrast, E-liquids upregulate occludin and claudin-1. Conclusions: This study suggests that ECIG use is not without risk. Flavored E-liquids, particularly cinnamon, result in pathophysiological responses of OKF6/TERT-2 cells. The dysregulation of inflammatory responses and cellular biology induced by E-liquids may contribute to various oral pathologies.

P-725. Incidence and Severity of Influenza-like Illness in Cigarette Users: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background Influenza-like illness (ILI) causes significant morbidity. This study aims to compare ILI incidence and severity of current tobacco smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers enrolled in a randomized clinical trial, comparing influenza vaccine effectiveness in a military population over 4 influenza seasons (2018-2022).Table 1.Selected characteristics of the PAIVED study population who responded to >50% of surveillance, by smoking status as reported at enrollment into the study. Methods Participants in the Pragmatic Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in the DoD (PAIVED) study responded to weekly surveillance and reported ILIs. Demographic information was collected at enrollment and the Influenza Patient-Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO) instrument was used to measure ILI severity. Analyses included Pearson’s Chi-squared test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis to compare selected characteristics (Table 1) and FLU-PRO scores based on smoking status. Poisson regression was used to assess the impact of smoking on ILI.Table 2:Risk of ILI was compared using a modified Poisson approach. Models were run separately for each variable, and the adjusted model includes all the variables listed in the table. Results Over half (56%) of PAIVED participants (8,596/15,432) responded to ≥50% of the ILI surveys and had complete demographic data. The demographic characteristics were different among current smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers (p< 0.001) (Table 1), with smokers more likely to be male and have lower educational levels, among other differences. Over one third (36%) of participants experienced an ILI during the influenza season in which they were enrolled. After adjusting for sex, age, military status, influenza season, and healthcare worker status, former smokers were 14% more likely to report an ILI (aRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.25) compared to non-smokers, while no difference was observed for current smokers (aRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84-1.14) (Table 2). Among those with ILIs (N=3,117) who filled out a FLU-PRO survey (N=2,111), FLU-PRO severity scores in the respiratory and eye symptoms domains were different by smoking status, with current smokers reporting the highest scores (p< 0.02) (Table 3).Table 3:Maximum FLU-PRO scores (mean (SD)) by smoking status for ILIs reported in the PAIVED study. Conclusion Former smokers were more likely to report ILI compared to non-smokers. Current and former smokers diagnosed with ILI reported higher respiratory and eye symptom scores than non-smokers. Future analysis will include smoking history (number in the past 7 days, years of smoking), reported electronic cigarette use, and an exploration of asthma and COPD as contributing factors. Disclosures Ryan C. Maves, MD, AiCuris: Grant/Research Support|Biotest: Grant/Research Support|GeoVax: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Honoraria|Sound Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support Mark Simons, PhD, Astrazeneca: Grant/Research Support Simon Pollett, MBBS, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and HJF were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial as part of US Govt COVID Response Timothy Burgess, MD, MPH, AstraZeneca: The IDCRP and HJF were funded to conduct an unrelated phase III COVID-19 monoclonal antibody immunoprophylaxis trial as part of US Govt COVID Response

Chemical Pneumonia Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use: An Article Review

Chemical Pneumonia Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use: An Article Review

The effect of an educational intervention on high school students' knowledge about vaping-related risks and expressed desire to quit vaping.

Electronic cigarette use (vaping) has increased rapidly among adolescents globally. Most electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain nicotine, which is addictive and can cause behaviour problems and mood dysregulation. We sought to assess whether an educational intervention increased knowledge about vaping-related health risks and desire to quit among high school students. We assessed whether the effects differed between in-person or online intervention. The analysis included 332 students from four high schools in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Students were randomly assigned to an in-person or online group and completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. Risk factors for smoking and vaping were assessed with logistic regression. Schools' socio-economic status was imputed from their Equity Index rank. Intervention effects were assessed with and without demographic covariates using mixed-effect linear regression. Students attending schools in lower socio-economic areas and those with Māori ethnicity were at greater risk of smoking and vaping. Risk of smoking increased with year level; however, risk of vaping did not. There was significant improvement in responses to 3 out of 10 knowledge questions, and there was no evidence that post-intervention scores were affected by participant characteristics. The in-person group showed higher percentage improvements than the online group. Expressed desire to quit vaping increased from 61.7% to 68.8%; however, there was significantly greater desire to quit vaping in students from years 9 and 10 than years 11 and 12 (P=0.043). Our educational intervention improved the knowledge of high school students on vaping-related health risks and increased expressed desire to quit vaping.

Vaping among young adults in Singapore: a qualitative study of motivations, challenges and antivaping intervention perceptions

IntroductionThe increasing use of electronic cigarettes among young adults in Southeast Asia is concerning. This study explores the motivations and challenges faced by young adults in quitting vaping and their...

Tobacco Disparities Among California Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: Factors Related to Electronic Smoking Devices and Cigarette Use

ABSTRACT Associations between sociodemographic factors and both e-cigarette use and cigarette use were examined to understand differences in smoking device choice among racial and ethnic minority populations. Distress and life satisfaction represent the main independent variables. The present study compared 8,451 racial and ethnic minority adults from the 2018 California Health Interview Survey. Distress significantly increased both e-cigarette use, OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.35, 2.80], and cigarette use, OR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.21, 2.30]. Life satisfaction significantly decreased both e-cigarette use, OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.46, 0.75], and cigarette use, OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.70, 0.99]. Further research is needed to explore culturally appropriate protective and risk factors for targeted programming.

Co-occurring Change in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) and Cigarette Harm Perceptions and Use in Young Adults.

Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may contribute to cigarette use and nicotine addiction by shifting perceptions and norms around tobacco, but little is known about whether or how ENDS use and norms are related to cigarette use and norms, particularly among young adults. This study tested two potential mechanisms by which END use may facilitate cigarette use: decreasing tobacco harm perceptions (desensitization) and increasing favorability of tobacco use (renormalization). Analyses included data from 2187 young adults in a longitudinal panel who reported any ENDS or combustible cigarette use at ages 21, 23, or 26. The sample was 53.6% male, 19.3% Hispanic, and 68.0% white. Parallel process latent growth models were fitted to test how change in ENDS use and harm perceptions about ENDS use co-occurred with change in cigarette use and harm perceptions about cigarette use across a 6-year period from ages 21, 23, and 26 (years 2014-2019). When ENDS harm perceptions decreased and ENDS use increased, cigarette harm perceptions decreased and favorability of cigarettes increased. Decreases in ENDS harm perception were differentially associated with likelihood of transition to cigarette use (an increase) and frequency of use when it occurred (a decrease). Changing tobacco harm perceptions and favorability are two processes by which ENDS use may underlie transitions to cigarette use. Tobacco prevention messaging should emphasize the potential harms of ENDS use that could occur through shifting tobacco perceptions, especially among young adults who are not already frequent cigarette smokers. Increasing favorability of ENDS (and increased ENDS use) may generalize to combustible cigarettes. Continued use of ENDS can increase risk of cigarette use when this exposure desensitizes nonsmoking young adults from the dangers of smoking and renormalizes pro-tobacco attitudes. Findings suggest that prevention messaging around tobacco products should emphasize the potential harms of ENDS use (including the increased likelihood of cigarette use after initiating ENDS), especially among young adults who are not already frequent cigarette smokers.

A systematic review on risk factors and reasons for e-cigarette use in adolescents.

The aim was to establish EC use risk and protective factors, the reasons for use, associations with tobacco and other substance use, and use for smoking cessation. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024532771). Searches in Web of Science and PubMed/MEDLINE (March-April 2024) used terms like 'electronic cigarette' and 'adolescents' with a PICO framework. Inclusion criteria covered studies on adolescents aged 10-19 years, published in English or Spanish (2018-2024). Three reviewers independently screened studies, achieving 96% inter-rater reliability. Data extraction followed standardized tables, and methodological quality was assessed using MMAT and GRADE tools, ensuring a robust evaluation of evidence on adolescent electronic cigarette use. From 895 studies, 50 met the inclusion criteria. The strongest risk factors for adolescent EC use include social acceptance and use within peer or family circles (13 studies), male gender (10 studies), low risk perception (6 studies), younger age (3 studies), and greater financial resources (3 studies). Motives for use include low perceived risk and appealing flavors, supported by both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. EC use is significantly associated with smoking initiation (7 studies), cannabis consumption (8 studies), and alcohol use (4 studies). Evidence on the effectiveness of ECs as harm reduction or smoking cessation tools in adolescents remains inconclusive, with some cross-sectional studies supporting their utility and others finding contrary evidence. High-quality research indicates ECs are predominantly used alongside traditional cigarettes, with dual nicotine consumption patterns commonly observed. Evidence on adolescent EC use identifies risk factors, motives, and links to substance use. However, its role in harm reduction and smoking cessation remains insufficient and controversial. High-quality research is needed, as most studies are low quality. Targeted prevention strategies addressing social influences, perceptions, and accessibility are crucial to reduce adolescent EC use.

Differences in anxiety, depression and pain experience among adults with chronic low back pain as a function of nicotine product use.

The landscape of nicotine use in the United States (US) has continued to evolve, with electronic cigarette use (hereafter e-cigarette) becoming more evident in recent years. Patterns of dual nicotine use, or using combustible nicotine in conjunction with e-cigarettes, may increase dependence on nicotine, continued exposure to toxins, and corresponding health risks. One of the most prevalent health problems related to nicotine use is the experience of chronic pain. Past work has established a bidirectional relationship between nicotine use and pain, such that pain motivates nicotine use and nicotine use contributes to pain. However, no work has explored differences in negative mood and pain experience as a product of nicotine use type among adults with chronic low back pain. The current cross-sectional study examined whether dual cigarette/e-cigarette use was associated with greater anxiety, depression, and pain experience among a sample of adult nicotine users (cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes) with self-reported mild to severe chronic low back pain (N = 1034, 66.0% female, Mage= 44.47 years, SD = 11.63). Results indicated that, compared to exclusive combustible nicotine users, dual cigarette/e-cigarette users had statistically significantly higher anxiety, depression, and pain disability scores, beyond the effects of age, sex, education, and use of opioid medications for pain. No significant group differences emerged as a function of exclusive e-cigarette use. The current findings highlight that dual cigarette/e-cigarette use may serve to mark a subpopulation of persons with chronic low back pain who present more complicated clinical features that require comprehensive care.

Estimating the accumulation and re-accumulation of commercial tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis waste based on a stratified random sample of census blocks.

We investigated the amount and distribution of waste generated by commercial tobacco, electronic cigarette, and cannabis (TEC) use to inform policy options aimed at mitigating the environmental harm caused by these products. Using disproportionate stratified random sampling, we selected 60 census blocks from the eight largest cities in San Diego County, California. We twice surveyed publicly accessible areas in these blocks to quantify TEC waste accumulation and its re-accumulation. All collected items were photographed, classified, geocoded, counted, and properly discarded. We identified demographic, land use, and behavioral data from public sources and direct observations. We modeled total cigarette butt quantities for all census blocks across the eight cities and found similar results for Round 1 (8.63 million) and Round 2 (8.66 million) collections. Single-use plastic cigarette filters were the primary contributor to TEC waste (94%). Total TEC waste counts and cigarette butt counts showed strong linear associations (r = +0.86 and r = +0.91). The area surveyed, land use category, resident demographics, smoking prevalence, and walkability explained 78% of the variance in cigarette butt count. The interval between Round 1 and 2 counts did not affect re-accumulation counts, suggesting that baseline TEC waste levels were re-established within 1-2 months after cleanup. Annually, we estimate up to 200 million cellulose acetate plastic filters may be discarded in public areas of the eight cities. Given the continuous deposition, vast quantity, heterogeneous distribution, and rapid re-accumulation of TEC waste after cleanup, increasing removal efforts alone are financially untenable and impractical downstream solutions for TEC waste. Community-wide policies (e.g., filter bans, outdoor smoking restrictions) and individual behavior changes (e.g., reduced smoking rates, proper disposal of cigarette butts) are necessary to effectively mitigate the environmental impact of TEC waste in urban settings.

Electronic cigarette use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A national study, 2022.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased globally among adolescents. However, data on its use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia remain limited. Therefore, this study describes the characteristics and factors associated with e-cigarette use in this population. Data from the Saudi Arabia 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey targeting students aged 13-15 years were analyzed. This study examined current use and ever use of e-cigarettes as dependent variables, and sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, and exposure to tobacco-related messages as independent variables. Among the adolescents, 14.2% had ever used e-cigarettes, while 5.3% were current users. Older adolescents exhibited a higher prevalence of ever use (12%, 13%, and 19% among those aged 13, 14, and 15 years, respectively). Of those who ever smoked cigarettes, 44% reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 23% were current users. Older adolescents (15 years) were 35% more likely to be ever e-cigarette users (AOR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.32-1.38) and 39% more likely to be current e-cigarette users (AOR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.34-1.43) than those aged 13 years. Exposure to pro-tobacco marketing was associated with twice the odds of ever using e-cigarettes (AOR=2.23; 95% CI: 2.21-2.26) and 2.76 times the odds of becoming current e-cigarette users (AOR=2.64; 95% CI: 2.58-2.69) compared with non-exposed adolescents. E-cigarette use is more prevalent among older adolescents, males, and those with higher weekly allowances. Additionally, e-cigarette use is associated with adolescents who use tobacco cigarettes, are exposed to secondhand smoke, or encounter tobacco promotional marketing.

Electronic cigarette use and heavy metal exposure: Evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study investigated the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and serum concentrations of heavy metals (lead, mercury, and cadmium) in the Korean population, utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Data from KNHANES 2013, 2016, and 2017 were analyzed. Participants were classified as e-cigarette users (individuals who had ever used e-cigarettes, including dual users who had also used conventional cigarettes), conventional smokers (individuals who had smoked at least 100 conventional cigarettes [5 packs], but not e-cigarettes, in their lifetime), and non-smokers (individuals who had never used e-cigarettes and either never smoked conventional cigarettes or smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes). Linear regression models were employed to evaluate the association between smoking status and heavy metal concentrations, adjusting for covariates including age, sex, income, education, and health behaviors. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, age, and obesity status. E-cigarette users exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of heavy metals than non-smokers. Lead levels were 10.0 % higher (exponentiated β = 1.100; p < 0.001), mercury levels were 13.7 % higher (β = 1.137; p < 0.001), and cadmium levels were 61.4 % higher (β = 1.614; p < 0.001). Conventional smokers demonstrated elevated levels of these metals compared to non-smokers, but generally lower levels than e-cigarette users. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger associations among younger participants, males, and individuals with obesity, particularly for cadmium. Dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes is associated with elevated exposure to heavy metals compared to exclusive smoking cigarettes. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions and stricter regulatory standards to address the risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Outcomes and cancer risk patterns in type-2 diabetes: an analysis of NIHS 2022-2023 data

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the complex relationship between type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and cancer, ultimately improving patient care and informing public health. Methods: This observational cohort study utilized data from the National Institutes of Health Survey (NIHS) for the years 2022 and 2023, comparing health characteristics, risk factors, and cancer risks between patients with T2DM and healthy controls. Data analysis involved multivariate logistic regression to examine associations between T2DM, its treatments, and the incidence of various cancers, adjusting for confounders such as age, gender, hypertension, and smoking status. Results: The findings indicated that T2DM significantly elevated the risk of several cancers, notably pancreatic (OR=24.913), liver, uterine, and rectal cancers. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and electronic cigarette use also showed strong associations with increased cancer risks in diabetic patients. Treatments including diabetic pills and insulin were particularly linked with varying cancer risks, highlighting the complex interactions between diabetes management and cancer development. Conclusions: The study underscored a critical need for comprehensive diabetes management that extended beyond glycemic control to potentially include cancer risk monitoring. These results suggested that the interplay between diabetes treatments and long-term cancer risks warrants further investigation to optimize treatment strategies and improve overall patient outcomes in individuals with T2DM.

The Impact of Electronic and Conventional Cigarette Use towards Saliva Profile and Oral Microbiota in Adolescents.

To compare the salivary profiles of smokers (e-cigarette smokers, e-cigarette and former conventional cigarette smokers, dual users, and conventional cigarette smokers) and non-smokers in adolescents, focusing on acidity level, flow rate, viscosity, as well as the quantity of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans. This analytical observational study, with a cross-sectional design, involves collecting saliva samples from five groups through the draining method. Saliva viscosity was assessed visually, while saliva flow rate was monitored over a ten-minute period. Quantification of bacterial presence was performed using qPCR, and salivary acidity was determined using a digital pH meter. Chi square and t-test were used to analyze the data. The total of 390 subjects (smokers n=195; non-smokers n=195), aged 17-25 years, participated in the study. Dual smokers exhibited a notable decrease in salivary pH (p=0.039) compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, significant reductions in flow rate (p<0.001) were observed across the five groups, however, no significant differences were found in saliva viscosity (p=0.070). When considering the four groups excluding conventional cigarette smokers, significant differences were observed in the quantity of Porphyromonas gingivalis (p=0.010) and Candida albicans (p=0.005). Conversely, the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans did not exhibit a significant difference (p=0.635). The study demonstrates that salivary pH, flow rate, and quantity of P. gingivalis as well as C. albicans are significantly different among the five groups.

E-cigarettes and arterial health: A review of the link between vaping and atherosclerosis progression.

Recent studies have suggested an evolving understanding of the association between vaping, specifically electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, and the progression of atherosclerosis, a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease. Despite the prevailing perception of vaping as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, accumulating evidence suggests that the aerosols emitted by e-cigarettes contain harmful constituents that may promote endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia-key mechanisms implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. While past research, including experimental studies and clinical investigations, has shed light on the potential cardiovascular risks associated with vaping, gaps in knowledge persist. Future research endeavors should focus on interpreting the long-term effects of vaping on atherosclerosis development and progression, exploring the impact of different e-cigarette formulations and user demographics, and identifying effective strategies for mitigating the cardiovascular consequences of vaping. By identifying and addressing these research gaps, we can enhance our understanding of the cardiovascular implications of vaping and inform evidence-based interventions and policies to safeguard public health.