The Effects of Hg2+ on Endothelial Function in Electronic Cigarette Smokers with Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract

The present available data on the harmful effects of electronic cigarettes (EC) is inconsistent and contradicting. Even though EC is considered a healthier alternative to the traditional cigarettes, several studies reported a large range of toxic compounds. The objective of this study is to determine whether the mercury found in the solutions used for electronic cigarettes is involved in the initiation and aggravation of endothelial dysfunction found in smoking persons with coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial function was evaluated by performing organ bath studies of vascular rings from patients with CAD, and was determined as a response to cumulative doses of endothelial-dependent/independent vasodilators, in the presence of Hg2+. Hg2+ extraction was realised using ion exchanging resin PUROLITE S920 from the liquid solution used in EC. The results of this study suggests that Hg2+ may be responsible for the aggravation of the endothelial dysfunction found in smoker of EC patients with CAD.

Effects of Smoking and Lipid Profile of the Patient on the Onset and Maintenance of Periodontal Disease

“…Carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying component in the red blood cells), resulting in a much more stable complex than hemoglobin bound with oxygen or carbon dioxide -the result is permanent loss of blood cell function. [14,15]. Blood cells are naturally recycled after a certain period of time, allowing for the creation of new, functional erythrocytes.…”