Smoking alters our genetic material - forskning.se

to smoking carries serious health risks is now widely accepted. Research results from Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center shows that smoking alters several genes that may be linked to health problems in smokers, such as increased risk of cancer and diabetes.

The genes are likely to be affected by the hundreds of chemicals that are formed when tobacco is burned – snuff does not give the same effect on the genes. (Photo: Thinkstock)

We inherit our genes of the parents at birth. Later in life, the genes altered by so-called epigenetic modification, which involves chemical changes in DNA that affect gene activity. Such changes are normally caused by aging, but can also occur due to environmental factors and lifestyle.

class=”normal”> In a study recently published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, the researchers examined how genes are altered in smokers and snuff users. They were able to identify a large number of genes that were altered in smokers, but found no effect of snus use.

class=”normal”> – This means that the epigenetic modifications are probably not caused by substances in tobacco, but of the hundreds of different chemicals that are formed when tobacco is burned, says Åsa Johansson, a researcher at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, who led the study.

class=”normal”> It is known that smokers have an increased risk of diabetes and many types of cancer, they have poorer immune function and lower sperm counts. The study results also showed that genes that increase the risk of cancer and diabetes, or are important for immune function and sperm production is affected by smoking.

class=”normal”> – Our results therefore suggest that the increased disease susceptibility that is associated with smoking partly generated by epigenetic changes. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind diseases and impaired body functions can in the future lead to better medications and treatments, says Åsa Johansson.

class=”normal”> Welisane Besingi and Åsa Johansson (2013) Smoke related DNA methylation changes in the etiology of human disease, Human Molecular Genetics Advance Access, Dec 11