Nicotine and vascular dysfunction

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the role of nicotine, the addictive component of all tobacco products, in the development of CVD is incompletely understood. Although increased public awareness of the harms of cigarette smoking has successfully led to a decline in its prevalence, the use of electronic cigarettes (e‐cig) or electronic nicotine delivery system has increased dramatically in recent years because of the perception that these products are safe. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the expression and function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the cardiovascular system and the impact of nicotine exposure on cardiovascular health, with a focus on nicotine‐induced vascular dysfunction. Nicotine alters vasoreactivity through endothelium‐dependent and/or endothelium‐independent mechanisms, leading to clinical manifestations in both cigarette smokers and e‐cig users. In addition, nicotine induces vascular remodelling through its effects on proliferation, migration and matrix production of both vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. The purpose of this review is to identify critical knowledge gaps regarding the effects of nicotine on the vasculature and to stimulate continued nicotine research.

E-cigarette Aerosol Condensate leads to Impaired Coronary Endothelial Cell Health and Restricted Angiogenesis

“…Similarly, CD31 22,50 , was also increased following exposure to e-Cig aerosol with nicotine, perhaps as part of the compensatory mechanism. The determinant factor for these results appears to involve the presence of nicotine, which has been shown to have pro-angiogenic properties 14 . Nicotine exhibits dose-dependent impacts on endothelial cell homeostasis and exhibits angiogenic effects that may be responsible for the pathogenesis of diseases like atherosclerosis 16,51,5 .…”

“…Studies have reported the presence of carbonyl compounds in e-Cig aerosols, notably: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein, as well as long-chain and cyclic alkanes and alkenes 12 . Additionally, trace amounts of metals have been reported, such as aluminium, barium, chromium and cadmium within the e-Cig aerosol 13,14 . These chemicals are known to be harmful and cytotoxic, causing pulmonary and cardiovascular stress 15 .…”

Perception

“…19 In addition, authors use perception when they study common convictions. Two examples are electronic cigarette safety 20 and cardiovascular health. 21 Since 1889, Acta Physiologica is the place for the honest yet fair scientific discourse of another form of perception, namely misunderstandings and "misperception" (see [22][23][24].…”

Editorial: Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Myocardial Injury and Vascular Diseases

“…Danlou tablet is a commercially available traditional Chinese medicine composed of 10 herbs. Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke that contains nicotine can lead to severe health consequences, such as an increased risk of vascular dysfunction (Whitehead et al, 2021). Md Salleh et al reported that Piper sarmentosum Roxb.…”