Smoking

Study Finds Exposure To E-Cigarette Vapor Increases Risk Of Covid Infection, Affects Immune Response

Featured Health

A cigarette is dangerous for health in any way. It increases the risk of infection in the body. It affects the immune system and gives rise to lung diseases. During the Covid times, studies have found that cigarette makes more vulnerable to infection. A new study has now said that vaping is equally dangerous. Exposure to e-cigarette vapor poses a similar amount of threat. The study noted that e-cigarette with nicotine increases the risk of Covid-19 infection. Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia conducted the study on mice. They found that vaping contributed to inflammation in lung tissue. This reduced the functioning of the lung.

The study said that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 levels are increased when the body is exposed to e-cigarette vapor. It is a receptor on the surface of cells. SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19 infection invaded the cells and makes its path into lung cells. This causes Covid-19 infection. The study said that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses the spike-like protein on the surface of cells. It noted that the virus binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. It is found in the lining of humans’ airways. The findings are induction and provide evidence that vaping increases the risk of Covid infection. The data found during the study can help researchers in understanding how the virus can be prevented from affecting those exposed to vaping.

Researchers housed both male and female mice in a box. They delivered controlled amounts of e-cigarette vapor for 30 minutes two times for 21 days. They used an automated method to deliver vapor both with and without nicotine. Researchers found that mice developed an increase in the levels of ACE-2 receptors in the lungs than those exposed to room air. The presence of nicotine in the air further enhanced the risk of infection in male mice. Researchers said that this increases susceptibility to Covid infection. Researchers, however, called for further study to understand the complexity of risk in humans on different biological activities.