Persistent and chronic electronic smoking may lead to a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, which causes chronic inflammation and related diseases.
These findings came from a study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, where researchers found that the chemicals present in nicotine-free e-cigarette liquids can disrupt the intestinal barrier. This study adds to a growing body of research that uncovers the potential health consequences associated with e-cigarettes.
The intestinal lining contains a layer of cells that prevents microbes from entering the rest of the body. When this layer is compromised, microbes and dangerous pathogens can leak from the intestine, a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, which leads to chronic inflammation in individuals. This condition is associated with a variety of health issues ranging from cardiovascular diseases to cancer.
The study involved cell models derived from human intestines, and simulations were used to identify the effects of e-cigarette liquids on the intestinal lining, supplemented by experiments on mice to verify the results. The cells were exposed to those liquids to simulate the amount a person who permanently smokes e-cigarettes would receive. According to the researchers, the results were very concerning, as they discovered that the chemicals produced during the vaporization of the liquid lead to the breakdown of the proteins that form the first line of defense of the intestine. Additionally, vapor by-products were able to reach the immune system, resulting in an inflammatory response among the epithelial cells in the internal intestinal lining.
Moreover, the study indicates that the epithelial cells in the lining are affected very quickly when exposed to the liquids used in e-cigarettes, making them less capable of eliminating pathogens or preventing them from leaking into the body, which leads to acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It is noteworthy that in addition to being extremely painful, these inflammations can also develop into other more serious pathological forms, highlighting the potential health impact of long-term e-cigarette use.
