Assessing the impact of e-cigarettes on human barrier systems: A systematic review

Abstract

The use of e-cigarettes has grown rapidly in recent years, raising concerns about their impact on human health, particularly on critical physiological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), alveolar-capillary barrier, and vascular systems. This systematic review evaluates the current literature on the effects of e-cigarette exposure on these barrier systems. E-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content, have been shown to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of tight junction proteins, leading to impaired barrier function. Key findings include compromised pulmonary function, increased vascular stiffness, and neuroinflammation. The review highlights potential long-term health risks associated with e-cigarette use, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, and multi-organ fibrosis, and emphasizes the need for public health interventions to regulate e-cigarette use, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and adolescents.

Keywords: Blood-brain barrier; E-cigarettes; Health promotion; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Pulmonary function; Vascular health.