New Evidence Bolsters Theory E-cigarettes May Increase Stroke Risk

Rockville, Md. (August 15, 2023)—There is new evidence that bolsters a possible link between e-cigarette use and increased risk of stroke, according to researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder. Their study conducted in humans showed that circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (tiny, bubble-like particles released into the bloodstream during inflammation) from e-cigarette users have adverse effects on key factors responsible for regulating brain blood flow. Changes in these factors contribute to the “promotion, development and progression” of ischemic stroke. These strokes are the most common type of stroke and are caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. The study is published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and has been chosen as an APSselect article for August. 

“The results of this study help us learn how e-cigarettes may affect the brain and contribute to the increased risk of stroke.” —Vinicius P. Garcia, PhD

E-cigarette use is associated with a higher occurrence of stroke at a younger age. In this study, researchers examined 27 healthy young adults ages 19–25. The cohort was subdivided into 10 nonsmokers, 10 e-cigarette users and seven tobacco cigarette smokers. Researchers zeroed in on the possible effects of endothelial cell-derived microvesicles isolated from e-cigarette users on central factors associated with the regulation of brain blood flow and increased susceptibility to stroke.

The mechanisms underlying e-cigarette-induced stroke remain unclear. Yet, interest in endothelial cell-derived microvesicles as a cause has intensified. Researchers suspect these microvesicles play a key role in stroke because their release into the bloodstream increases during e-cigarette use.

“Studying the characteristics of circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles from e-cigarette users will help us learn more about how these products affect the brain and contribute to the risk of stroke,” said Vinicius P. Garcia, PhD, lead author of the study. “These results also lend support to the notion that e-cigarettes are not a healthier alternative to combustible tobacco cigarettes.”

Read the full article, “Endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles associated with electronic cigarette use impair cerebral microvascular cell function.” It is highlighted as one of this month’s “best of the best” as part of the American Physiological Society’s APSselect program. Read all of this month’s selected research articles.

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: To schedule an interview with a member of the research team, please contact APS Media Relations or call 301.634.7314. Find more research highlights in our Newsroom.

Physiology is a broad area of scientific inquiry that focuses on how molecules, cells, tissues and organs function in health and disease. The American Physiological Society connects a global, multidisciplinary community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators as part of its mission to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health. The Society drives collaboration and spotlights scientific discoveries through its 16 scholarly journals and programming that support researchers and educators in their work.