Acute and Persistent Cardiovascular Effects of Menthol E-Cigarettes in Mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Toxicology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Cardiovascular impacts of e-cigarette use remain unclear.
• Menthol e-cigarette popularity is rising, especially with potential bans on menthol combustible cigarettes.
• Previous studies suggest acute cardiac arrhythmias from menthol e-cigarettes in mice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate acute and persistent cardiovascular effects of menthol e-cigarette use.
• Examine the impact on cardiovascular function and cardiac proteome.
• Assess long-term consequences after exposure cessation.

Main Methods:

• Adult mice exposed to menthol e-cigarette aerosols with ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
• Analysis of heart rate variability, blood pressure, urine epinephrine, and arrhythmias.
• Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of cardiac tissue after 5 and 20 days of exposure.
• Assessment of cardiovascular function up to 3 weeks post-exposure cessation.

Main Results:

• Menthol e-cigarettes acutely increased heart rate, urine epinephrine, and caused premature heartbeats.
• Consistent blood pressure increases were observed during and after exposure.
• Persistent sinus bradycardia and altered chronotropic response to stress were noted post-cessation.
• Cardiac proteomic analysis revealed signatures of dilated and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

• Menthol e-cigarette aerosol exposure induces persistent cardiovascular autonomic imbalance in mice.
• Findings suggest potential for similar adverse cardiovascular effects in humans using mentholated e-cigarettes.