The use of electronic cigarettes could significantly increase the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2! Researchers are calling for awareness and regulation of vaping, highlighting the potential dangers to public health and the need for further research in this area.
In a recent study published in theAmerican journal of physiology, researchers warn e-cigarette users of increased risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection when vaping. This warning is based on the discovery that e-liquids, composed of nicotine, propylene glycol, glyceringlycerin plant and chemical aromas, can promote infection in different ways.
Why is the risk increased?
The researchers’ work was based on a three-dimensional tissue model of the human bronchial epithelium, obtained from respiratory tract stem cells, to simulate exposure to aerosolsaerosols electronic cigarettes. The results show a significant increase in markers ACE2 and TMPRSS2, essential for SARS-CoV-2 infection, in tissues exposed to nicotine-containing aerosols.
The study highlights the complexity of the interaction between vaping and susceptibility to the virus, linked to the diversity of e-liquidsliquids and vaping devices. She calls for stricter regulation of vaping products and the development of new clinical studiesclinical studies to deepen the understanding of the associated risks. The researchers hope their work will encourage vapers to give up the practice and dissuade non-users from starting, highlighting the link between vaping and increased complications when infected with the virus. Covid-19Covid-19including the risk of developing a long form of the disease.
