Regulation of endothelial function by cigarette smoke and next-generation tobacco and nicotine products

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is the most important avoidable cardiovascular risk factor. It causes endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis and increases the risk of its severe clinical complications like coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Several next-generation tobacco and nicotine products have been developed to decrease some of the deleterious effects of regular tobacco smoking. This review article summarizes recent findings about the impact of cigarette smoking and next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on endothelial dysfunction. Both cigarette smoking and next-generation tobacco products lead to impaired endothelial function. Molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction like oxidative stress, reduced nitric oxide availability, inflammation, increased monocyte adhesion, and cytotoxic effects of cigarette smoke and next-generation tobacco and nicotine products are highlighted. The potential impact of short- and long-term exposure to next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on the development of endothelial dysfunction and its clinical implications for cardiovascular diseases are discussed.