Cinnamon, menthol, caramel, vanilla… Some flavors are more toxic than others.
E-cigarette flavorings increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, says a new study conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine. To reach these conclusions, the scientists studied the effect of aromas on endothelial cells.
Endothelial cells line the blood vessels, lymphatics and the interior of the heart chambers. In direct contact with the blood, they play an essential role in the potential development of heart disease when they become damaged or malfunction.
DNA damage
Researchers found that when cultured in the lab, endothelial cells exposed to aromas are less viable and create DNA damage and cell death. Cells are also less able to participate in wound healing.
The severity of the damage, some aspects of which occur even in the absence of nicotine, varies by flavor. Cinnamon and menthol have been shown to be particularly harmful. The caramel and vanilla also disrupted the cells, but not as badly.
Not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes
“Until now, we had no data on how e-cigarettes affect human endothelial cells,” says Joseph Wu, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and professor of cardiovascular medicine and radiology. “This study clearly shows that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. When we exposed the cells to six flavors with different levels of nicotine, we saw significant damage. The cells were less viable in culture, and they started showing multiple symptoms of dysfunction,” he says.
The electronic cigarette is now validated by many studies as one of the most effective ways to quit smoking tobacco. However, it also promotes, according to recent research, wheezing, fungus in the mouth, the transition to smoking in adolescents, lung cancer and heart attacks.
.
