by The detrimental effects of smoking on human health are well-documented. With over thousands of chemicals, including carcinogens, tobacco smoke poses a significant risk for various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory illnesses. Understanding the extensive impact of smoking on a cellular and genetic level is crucial in comprehending its harmful consequences.
By generating epigenetic data, researchers aimed to evaluate the influence of smoking on DNA methylation, a process where chemical compounds attach to DNA and regulate gene expression.
The research unearthed multiple new genetic regions linked to smoking across different tissue types, indicating that DNA methylation plays a vital role in the body’s defense mechanism against the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. The findings of the study, titled “The association of cigarette smoking with DNA methylation and gene expression in human tissue samples,” were published in the American Journal of Human Genetics on March 14, 2024.
Unlike conventional epidemiological studies that often rely on blood samples due to their ease of collection, this research employed samples from the GTEx Project, comprising human tissue samples from various donors. By analyzing DNA methylation data from tissues such as lung, colon, ovary, prostate, among others, the researchers aimed to gain insights into the diverse impacts of smoking on different organs.
The study classifies donors based on their smoking history, distinguishing between ever smokers, never smokers, and current smokers at the time of death. Through the analysis of DNA methylation at specific genetic regions, the team identified thousands of smoking-associated regions, particularly in lung and colon tissues, highlighting the significant variations in DNA methylation patterns among smokers and non-smokers.
Moreover, the study underscored the importance of studying an array of tissue types to comprehend the holistic effects of environmental exposures like smoking. The distinct responses of various tissues to smoking emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of how the body reacts to such exposures.
While the adverse effects of smoking on health are well-established, this study provides a detailed insight into the cellular repercussions of smoking on different tissues. Understanding the epigenetic responses to smoking can shed light on the body’s defense mechanisms and the risks associated with smoking-related diseases.
Moving forward, the researchers envision applying similar techniques to explore the impacts of other environmental exposures, unveiling potential biomarkers reflective of exposure effects. By expanding the scope of research to encompass diverse tissues and larger sample sizes, scientists aim to enhance their knowledge of the intricate interplay between environmental exposures and human health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
