COVID-19 and vaping: risk for increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Kielan Darcy McAlinden, Mathew Suji Eapen, Wenying Lu, Collin Chia, Greg Haug, Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
Abstract
With great interest we read and commend the study done by Russo et al. [1], highlighting their findings that nicotine induces an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) expression in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpC) and is mediated by α7-subtype nicotinic receptors (α7-nAChR). It raises the concern that all electronic nicotine-delivery systems may put users at greater risk of succumbing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Absolute cessation of any tobacco product in any form: implications for COVID-19 <https://bit.ly/3cyk9ra> Clifford Craig Foundation Launceston General Hospital, Rebecca L. Cooper Medical Research Foundation.