Scientists at the University of Birmingham in Britain have discovered that smoking e-cigarettes can lead to disruption of the immune system.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology indicates that the results of the study conducted by university scientists showed that e-cigarette vapor suppresses the activity of neutrophils – immune cells that destroy pathogenic microorganisms and the products of decomposition of the body’s tissues, reports Al-Rai daily.
During this study, researchers analyzed blood samples taken from healthy volunteers who had never smoked traditional or electronic cigarettes in their lives. They isolated neutrophils from blood samples exposed to 40 puffs of unflavored e-cigarettes.
According to previous studies, this is equivalent to the average daily consumption. They also treated some samples with vapors containing nicotine, and some with nicotine-free mixtures, according to what was published by the Russia Today website.
The researchers discovered that neutrophil cells in all groups remained alive, but their functional capabilities decreased, and they moved slowly. The reason for this is the high level of F-actin, which is present inside these cells and helps them change their shape. As a result, its protective function was impaired.
According to researchers, the risk of respiratory diseases may increase in e-cigarette smokers. In addition, neutrophils are linked to aging, chronic obstructive diseases, and tissue damage, so suppressing their activity could lead to serious long-term health consequences.