Acute effects of e-cigarette inhalation with or without nicotine on levels of microvesicles in the blood of human volunteers

• Background: The e-cigarette use has increased dramatically. Our group has demonstrated signs of possible vascular damage following e-cigarette use.We study the effects of e-cigarette inhalation (vaping) on vascular function, inflammation and hemostasis. Microvesicles (MV) of endothelial, leukocyte and platelet origin is measured in blood. MV are biomarkers that reflect cell function and can be used when assessing the risk of cardiovascular complications. We have recently shown that cigarette smoking causes an acute increase in MV in blood of healthy volunteers, suggesting vascular injury, inflammation and negative impact on hemostasis. We now investigate if the e-cigarette has similar effects.Methods: Seventeen healthy sporadic smokers vaped 30 puffs from an e-cigarette with and without nicotine in a crossover fashion. Blood sampling was performed at 0, 2, 4 and 6 hours following exposures. MVs was determined by flow cytometry and measured from platelets (PMV), leukocytes (LMV) and endothelial cells (EMV).Results: Inhalation of e-cigarettes containing nicotine caused a significant increase in PMV and EMV over time. PMV that exposed P-selectin and/or CD40L increased significantly as well. Nicotine free e-cigarette vapour did not cause a significant increase in PMV and EMV over time.Discussion: As little as 30 puffs of nicotine containing e-cigarette vapor cause increased levels of circulating MVs of endothelial and platelet origin, indicating possible vascular injury. This may lead to increased progression of atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of myocardial infarction and stroke.

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