(Press-News.org) Contact information: Åsa Johansson
asa.johansson@igp.uu.se
46-702-513-132
Uppsala University
Smoking changes our genes
The fact that smoking means a considerable health risk is nowadays commonly accepted. New research findings from Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center show that smoking alters several genes that can be associated with health problems for smokers, such as increased risk for cancer and diabetes.
We inherit our genes from our parents at birth. Later in life the genetic material can be changed by epigenetic modifications, i.e. chemical alterations of the DNA the affect the activity of the genes. Such alterations are normally caused by ageing but can also result from environmental factors and lifestyle.
In a study recently published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics the researchers have examined how the genes are changed in smokers and users of non-smoke tobacco. They could identify a large number of genes that were altered in smokers but found no such effect of non-smoke tobacco.
– This means that the epigenetic modifications are likely not caused by substances in the tobacco, but by the hundreds of different elements that are formed when the tobacco is burnt, says Åsa Johansson, researcher at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University and Uppsala Clinical Research Center, who has led the study.
It has been previously known that smokers have an increased risk of developing diabetes and many types of cancer, and have a reduced immune defence and lower sperm quality. The results from the study also showed that genes that increase the risk for cancer and diabetes, or are important for the immune response or sperm quality, are affected by smoking.
– Our results therefore indicate that the increased disease risk associated with smoking is partly a caused by epigenetic changes. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism behind diseases and reduced body function might lead to improved drugs and therapies in the future, says Åsa Johansson.
###
For more information, please contact: Åsa Johansson, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, tel. + 46 70-2513 132. E-mail: asa.johansson@igp.uu.se
Welisane Besingi and Åsa Johansson (2013) Smoke related DNA methylation changes in the etiology of human disease, Human Molecular Genetics, Advance Access, Dec 11
Smoking changes our genes
2013-12-17
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
AAOS approves AUC for non-arthroplasty treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
2013-12-17
AAOS approves AUC for non-arthroplasty treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
New AUC offers clinical expertise across medical specialties to help optimize patient care
ROSEMONT, Ill. – The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Directors ...
Uranium (IV) found to be mobile in a natural wetland
2013-12-17
Uranium (IV) found to be mobile in a natural wetland
EPFL researchers studying a natural wetland near a decommissioned uranium mine in Limousin, France, have shown that under certain circumstances the uranium present in the wetland could be more mobile ...
Carsey Institute: Students with a disability more likely to be restrained, secluded in school
2013-12-17
Carsey Institute: Students with a disability more likely to be restrained, secluded in school
DURHAM, N.H. – The restraint and seclusion of students in U.S. public schools in response to student behavior problems are used much more frequently on students with ...
Duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications, risk of death
2013-12-17
Duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications, risk of death
The duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes severity and risk of death in older adults with type 2 diabetes according to a study by the ...
Hippocampal volume loss in depression reflects glial loss
2013-12-17
Hippocampal volume loss in depression reflects glial loss
Reports new study in Biological Psychiatry
Philadelphia, PA, December 17, 2013 – Depression has been associated with reduced volume of the hippocampus in magnetic resonance imaging studies in humans. A new study ...
Health R&D spending moves slowly upward, driven by industry, philanthropy and voluntary associations
2013-12-17
Health R&D spending moves slowly upward, driven by industry, philanthropy and voluntary associations
Federal R&D funding remains 'woefully inadequate' to address health threats and global competitiveness
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—December 17, 2013—After declining in ...
The economically valuable sweet-gum trees: Taxonomy and 9 new combinations
2013-12-17
The economically valuable sweet-gum trees: Taxonomy and 9 new combinations
The sweet-gum family Altingiaceae is a small group of wind-pollinated trees that produce hard, woody fruits that contain numerous seeds. This widespread tree family has been puzzling botanists ...
Social network spying could lead to low returns
2013-12-17
Social network spying could lead to low returns
Intrusive candidate-screening negatively affects reputation and performance, and may invite law suits
Organizations looking to hire new staff should rethink their clandestine use of social networking websites, such as ...
Targeted synthesis of natural products with light
2013-12-17
Targeted synthesis of natural products with light
Potential pathway for drug development using photoreactions
This news release is available in German. For chemists, natural substances are compounds formed by organisms to fulfill the myriad ...
RS Puppis puts on a spectacular light show
2013-12-17
RS Puppis puts on a spectacular light show
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has observed the variable star RS Puppis over a period of five weeks, showing the star growing brighter and dimmer as it pulsates. These pulsations have created a stunning ...