SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Research by a Slippery Rock University professor into the health effects of vaping suggests that certain compounds in non-nicotine vapor may affect cardiovascular function.

Jennifer Piechowski, an assistant professor of biology, published a recent study in the journal MicroPublication Biology that identifies two chemical compounds in cinnamon-flavored e-cigarette vapor that are known cardiovascular suppressants. The study was conducted in collaboration with Brian Bagatto from the University of Akron.

The research builds on a 2021 study in which Piechowski and Bagatto exposed zebrafish embryos to non-nicotine, cinnamon-flavored e-cigarette vapor. The initial study found that the vapor could affect early cardiovascular function and development in the embryos.

Using qualitative gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, a process used to identify compounds in a substance, the new research identified cinnamaldehyde and eugenol in the cinnamon vapor. These findings may explain the effects seen in the exposed embryos.

Piechowski said the research has direct classroom applications, as students are interested in the topic because many know someone who vapes.

The research is continuing with a new group of SRU students, who will perform cell culture studies on cell lines exposed to the non-nicotine cinnamon e-cigarette vapor. Piechowski said the research aims to provide answers to public health questions about the safety of e-cigarette usage, even with options that do not contain nicotine.