Do E-Cigarettes make psoriasis worse

[Fred]

There has been a recent study looking at the effects of E-Cigarettes and the results are suggesting they could make psoriasis worse.

Quote:

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Rationale:
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular and little is known about their potential adverse health effects.  

Objective:
To determine the effects of e-cigarette use on the airways.

Methods:
Induced sputum samples from cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users, and non-smokers, were analyzed by quantitative proteomics, and the total and individual concentrations of mucins MUC5AC  and  MUC5B  were  determined  by  light  scattering/refractometry  and  labeled  mass  spectrometry,  respectively. Neutrophil  extracellular  trap  (NET)  formation  rates  were  also  determined forthe same groups.

Measurements and Main Results:
E-cigarette users exhibited significant increases in aldehyde-detoxification and oxidative stress related proteins associated withcigarette smoke comparing to non-smokers. The levels of innate defense proteins associated with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as elastase and matrix metalloproteinase- 9, were significantly elevated in e-cigarette users as well. E-cigarette users’ sputum also uniquely exhibited significant increases in neutrophil granulocyte - and NET- related proteins, such as myeloperoxidase, azurocidin, and protein-arginine deiminase 4, despite no significant elevation in neutrophil cell counts. Peripheral neutrophils from e-cigarette users showed increased sensitivity to PMA - induced NETosis. Finally, a compositional change in the gel-forming building blocks of airway mucus, i.e., an elevated concentration of mucin MUC5AC, was observed in both cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users.

Conclusions:
Together, our results indicate that e-cigarette use alters the profile of innate defense proteins in airway secretions, inducing both similar and unique changes relative to cigarette smoking. These data challenge the concept that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative to cigarettes.

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The interesting part is not in the abstract but the full study goes on to say:

The enhanced NET formation in peripheral blood neutrophils from e-cigarette users also suggests the potential for systemic harm beyond the lung. Given that increased NET formation is closely associated with epithelial and endothelial cell death and subsequent pathogenesis, aberrant NET formation in peripheral blood neutrophils from e-cigarette users should be examined in the context  of  the  pathogenesis  of  systemic  diseases, such  as  systemic  lupus  erythematosus, vasculitis, and psoriasis.

Source: atsjournals.org

*Funding: NIH/FDA Grant