NCT06159608 · Anna Stanhewicz, PhD
Sex Differences in the Vascular Effects of E-cigarette Use
What this study is about
The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, or e-cigarettes - colloquially referred to as "vaping" - in the United States has increased exponentially since their introduction to the US market in 2007. Prevalence of ever and current e-cigarette use is highest among teenagers and young adults with 16-28% of this population having reported vaping.
View original scientific description
The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, or e-cigarettes - colloquially referred to as "vaping" - in the United States has increased exponentially since their introduction to the US market in 2007. Prevalence of ever and current e-cigarette use is highest among teenagers and young adults with 16-28% of this population having reported vaping. While the majority of e-cigarette users are current tobacco smokers, 32.5% of current e-cigarette users are never- or former-smokers, representing a growing population of young adults who exclusively vape. While e-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes, clinical studies examining these claims are limited. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of premature death among tobacco cigarette smokers and reductions in vascular endothelial function, a significant predictor of future CVD, are detectible in otherwise healthy young adults who smoke. Despite the explosion in e-cigarette use among young adults, the health effects - especially the effects on mechanisms of vascular function - of these devices remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we use the blood vessels in the skin as a representative vascular bed for examining mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in humans. Using a minimally invasive technique (intradermal microdialysis for the local delivery of pharmaceutical agents) we examine the blood vessels in a dime-sized area of the skin in otherwise healthy young (18-24yrs) chronic e-cigarette users. Local heating of the skin at the microdialysis sites is used to explore differences in mechanisms governing microvascular control. As a compliment to these measurements, we also draw blood from the subjects to measure circulating factors that may contribute to cardiovascular health and examine markers of inflammatory activation. We will also collect urine from female participants to measure estradiol.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18-24 years old
- one of the following:
- have no history of e-cigarette use
- be a current e-cigarette user who has been using e-cigarettes for 6 months or longer
Exclusion criteria
- history of cardiovascular, metabolic, and/or skin diseases
- body mass index \>30 kg/m2
- blood pressure ≥140 systolic and/or ≥ 90 diastolic
- current or history of tobacco cigarette use
- current antihypertensive or cholesterol-lowering medication
- current use of cannabis, marijuana, and/or other illegal substances
- current use of stimulant drugs
- currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- allergy to materials used during the experiment (e.g. latex),
- known allergy to study drugs
- healthy control subjects will also be excluded if they have ever used e-cigarettes in the past
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations