Relation between Tobacco Smoking/Electronic Smoking and Albuminuria/Vascular Stiffness in Young People without Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: Tobacco smoking is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. In recent years, alternative types of smoking, including vaping, have been becoming popular. The contribution of vape to vascular and renal injury is not known. We studied the relation between smoking of traditional/electronic cigarettes and arterial stiffness and albuminuria, which is also a vascular dysfunction marker. Methods: We examined 270 young volunteers without significant clinical cardiovascular diseases (mean age: 21.2 ± 2.3 years). Twenty-seven percent of the subjects in the study group were smokers; 69.9% of them smoked traditional cigarettes and 30.1% smoked electronic cigarettes. The urine albumin level was assessed by a dipstick test, and the augmentation index was determined by photoplethysmography. A linear correlation test and multiple regression analysis were applied. Results: The study groups did not differ in basic characteristics. The smokers demonstrated generally higher blood pressure levels and were overweight. Most of the smokers were male. In the groups of smokers, albuminuria was more frequent, especially among vapers (94 vs. 79% in tobacco smokers and 29% in nonsmokers). AU values (median [quartile 25; quartile 75]) were significantly higher in vapers (160 mg/L [150; 207.5]) vs. tobacco smokers (115 mg/L [60; 200]) and vs. nonsmokers (20 mg/L [10; 50]) (р < 0.05). Photoplethysmographic results showed relevant higher augmentation indices among tobacco smokers (–4, [–6.6; –1.9]) and vapers (–5.05 [–13.4; –3.3]) compared to nonsmokers (–16.2 [–23.9; –7]) (р < 0.05). Results of multiple regression analysis demonstrate that smoking of both traditional and electronic cigarettes is related to an increase in the albuminuria level and the augmentation index. Conclusions: Smoking of both traditional and electronic cigarettes is related to albuminuria and an increase in the augmentation index, which is a noninvasive marker for arterial stiffness.