Acute Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation

Acute and Long-term Effects of E-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation on Biomarkers of Endothelial Function and Vascular Reactivity

This study comprises a portion of a larger study designed to compare results of vascular function in non-smokers to vascular function in healthy smokers chronically exposed to nicotinized electronic cigarette aerosol versus conventional cigarettes.

Here, we 1) investigate the acute effects of non-nicotinized e-cigarette aerosol inhalation in nonsmokers in terms of blood-based markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and 2) evaluate their association with hemodynamic-metabolic MRI parameters quantifying peripheral vascular reactivity, cerebrovascular reactivity, and aortic stiffness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI of 18.5 - 30

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cancer
• HIV
• Mental illness
• Overt cardio- or neurovascular disease (prior heart attack, stroke, transient ischemic attacks)
• Serious arrhythmias
• Bronchospastic disease
• Upper respiratory tract infection within the past six weeks
• Chronic medication or antibiotics
• Claustrophobia / contraindications for MRI