Abstract
Background
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity in recent years. While initially introduced as a safe alternative for tobacco and a bridge for smoking cessation, subsequent studies found that they contain toxic substances. We aimed to assess the acute effect of a single e-cigarettes smoking session on cardio-respiratory parameters, exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and markers of inflammation.
Methods
A prospective single center study. Participants (healthy volunteers, former e-cigarette users) were assessed before and after a 30-minutes session of e-cigarette smoking. Evaluations included vital signs, pulmonary functions – spirometry & fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood & exhaled breath condensate (EBC) cytokines, and electronic nose (e-nose) for analysis of exhaled VOCs profile.
Results
Thirty participants, age 27.9±4.4?years. Post smoking revealed a significant increase in heart rate (77.5±10.9 to 85.5±12.1 beats/minute, p=0.002), respiratory rate (15.4±2.2 to 17.1±1.8 breaths/minute, p=0.002) and blood pressure (systolic 118±8.1 to 123.5±11.9, p=0.017; diastolic 73.9±8.4 to 78.5±6.3?mmHg. p=0.011). FeNO decreased significantly (median of 11 [7.5–15.5] to 9.7 [7.3–17.3[ ppb, p=0.024). Analysis of e-nose found a significant change of exhaled VOCs pattern after e-cigarettes smoking. No significant changes were found in spirometry and cytokine levels in blood or EBC.
Conclusions
A single session of 30?min e-cigarettes smoking caused significant cardio-respiratory effects, decreased FeNO and altered exhaled VOCs patter, similar to the effect seen with cigarette and water-pipe smoking.? The observed acute effects, together with the well known chronic risks, highlight the importance of effectIve regulation of e-cigarettes.
