VESUVIUS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vascular Effects of Regular Cigarettes Versus Electronic Cigarette Use
IRAS ID
207653
Contact name
Vera Feruza Nuritova
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes (EC), are increasingly widely used in an attempt to reduce rates of smoking traditional cigarettes (TC). There have been many controversial claims and counter-claims by various experts, social scientists and politicians in the media regarding its effectiveness and safety. EC are battery-powered devices that simulate tobacco smoking by using a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution containing a mixture of nicotine and flavourings, while others release a flavoured vapour without nicotine. They are being marketed as a safer alternative to TC. The benefits of EC on vascular function in terms of the reduction in tar and other contaminants that are present in TC are currently unknown.
VESUVIUS is a single-centre, randomized, 3-cohort parallel group of TC versus EC-nicotine and flavouring versus EC- nicotine free and flavouring. These three arms will assess the differential benefits between (1) TC vs EC (2) the presence of nicotine in EC-nicotine versus EC-nicotine free. 135 participants aged 18 and over who are current smokers will be included. Participants will be randomized to one of the 3 groups and if allocated to either of the EC groups will receive EC to use for 4 weeks, the TC group will continue with their usual smoking pattern. Vascular stiffness and endothelia function will be assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
16/ES/0087
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion