Vaping Could Make Smokers More Prone To Covid
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has revealed that individuals, who use electronic cigarettes, or "vapers," may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to tobacco smokers. Electronic cigarettes typically contain an e-liquid composed of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavor chemicals.?
The study found that propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin alone or with nicotine could enhance COVID-19 infection through different mechanisms. However, the addition of benzoic acid to e-liquids was shown to prevent infection caused by the components mentioned earlier.?
The research suggests that vapers should exercise caution, as certain products may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, potentially leading to more severe complications during recovery and an increased risk of developing long-term COVID-19. The findings aim to encourage vapers to quit and discourage non-users from taking up vaping.
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, emphasizes the impact of e-liquids on SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights the role of specific components in electronic cigarettes. The researchers utilized a 3D tissue model of human bronchial epithelium, exposing it to aerosols from popular electronic cigarette brands such as JUUL and BLU.?
The results demonstrated an increase in the amount of ACE2, a host cell receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, across all tissues. Additionally, the enzyme TMPRSS2, crucial for virus-cell interaction, exhibited heightened activity in tissues exposed to nicotine-containing aerosols.
Prue Talbot, a professor at the University of California, Riverside, cautioned e-cigarette users about the potential risks and urged them to be vigilant due to certain products increasing their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. She suggested that quitting vaping could be beneficial for overall health and help curb nicotine dependency.
Rattapol Phandthong, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the study, underscored the importance of considering scientific literature that indicates vapers who contract SARS-CoV-2 may experience more complications during the recovery period. He emphasized the potential development of long-term COVID-19, a condition that can have serious and prolonged effects post-infection. The researchers hope their findings serve as a catalyst for vapers to quit the habit and discourage non-users from initiating vaping practices.
