The Impact of E-Cig and Alcohol Combo on the Blood-Brain Barrier

Researchers at Temple University, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are investigating the effects of combining e-cigarettes and alcohol on the blood-brain barrier. E-cigarette use alone can disrupt the barrier and cause brain inflammation, while combining e-cigarettes and alcohol may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive decline. The study aims to identify biomarkers that can detect blood-brain barrier injury in substance users, potentially leading to the development of screening strategies for early detection and assessment of brain damage.