Vaping May Bring You Closer To Covid-19: Study

The finding is relevant for humans because exposure to e-cigarette vapors increases the levels of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2).

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New York: While cigarette smoke is known to increase the risk of lung disease and Covid-19 infection, a new study in mice showed similar effects from exposure to e-cigarette vapors, especially when nicotine is present in the vapor.

The study by researchers, including an Indian ancestry from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, USA, showed that mice exposed to the vapor from e-cigarettes had inflammation of lung tissue and impaired lung function, confirming the dangers of vaping . mr joy best e liquids to find online. 

The finding is relevant for humans because exposure to e-cigarette vapor increased the levels of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) – the receptor on the surface of cells with which SARS-CoV-2 can penetrate .

With the spiky protein on its surface like a key, the novel coronavirus binds to the ACE2 receptor, which is located in the lining of our airways, and opens its way into our lung cells.

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“Our results provide a rationale for studying the effect of vaping on ACE-2 levels in human lungs,” said Pawan Sharma of the university’s Center for Translational Medicine.

“If a similar induction of ACE-2 is observed, it will provide further evidence that vaping is a risk factor for Covid-19 and can help us understand how to prevent and contain infection in this population,” he added added.

The study was published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine

The researchers kept female or male mice in a box attached to an automated system that delivered precisely controlled amounts of e-cigarette vapor, with or without nicotine, for 30 minutes twice a day for 21 days. Buy e cigarettes online possible.

Compared to control mice who inhaled indoor air, mice exposed to e-cigarette vapor had increases in the ACE-2 receptor in the lungs, both male and female.

Although this wasn’t tested in the current study, higher concentrations of the ACE-2 receptor could make it easier for the virus to get into the airways and make it more susceptible to infection, the researchers said.

Interestingly, the presence of nicotine in the vapor further amplified the rise in ACE-2, especially in male mice. Although more research is needed to understand the complexities of risk factors for Covid-19, this finding sheds light on important physiological differences that make one gender potentially more susceptible, they added.