E -cigarettes and kidney health: current knowledge and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Conventional smoking is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• E-cigarette use has significantly increased, raising concerns about potential health impacts.
• The effects of e-cigarettes on kidney health are not well understood compared to conventional smoking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the impact of e-cigarette use on kidney health.
• To discuss future research perspectives on vaping and renal outcomes.
• To inform healthcare providers about the potential risks of e-cigarettes for kidney function.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature.
• It synthesizes findings from cross-sectional studies and animal experiments.
• It highlights challenges in conducting long-term research on e-cigarette effects.

Main Results:

• Limited studies suggest a link between vaping and kidney damage, including albuminuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate.
• Animal studies indicate that e-cigarette components may cause structural and functional kidney damage.
• The precise renal health effects of e-cigarettes are uncertain due to various factors like device variability and exposure measurement difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Nephrologists must counsel patients on smoking cessation, including both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
• Urging cessation is crucial for preventing CKD progression and improving patient health.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the long-term renal risks associated with e-cigarette use.