If the available information on the effects of smoking isn’t enough, new research further lends to the dire consequences of tobacco use.

A study recently published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, has found that cigarette smoking can cause DNA damage that lasts more than 30 years after quitting. 

The study was conducted with 16,000 participants, including current smokers, former smokers, and people who have never smoked. los angeles compounding pharmacy

The observations gathered showed a “long-term signature” in smokers’ DNA that likely contributes to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.

Roby Joehanes of Hebrew SeniorLife and Harvard Medical School explained that the study has “found compelling evidence that smoking has a long-lasting impact on our molecular machinery, an impact that can last more than 30 years.” los angeles compounding pharmacy

The study focused on the effects of tobacco use on DNA methylation, a process that regulates gene expression by modifying DNA functions. Researchers observed methylation happening in genes linked to smoking-related diseases including cancer, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. los angeles compounding pharmacy

In all, researchers found one-third of known genes were affected by smoking. 

Joehanese continued:

“The encouraging news is that once you stop smoking, the majority of DNA methylation signals return to never smoker levels after five years, which means your body is trying to heal itself of the harmful impacts of tobacco smoking,”

The study finds that there are 19 genes that can remain affected – including TIAM2, the gene most commonly linked to lymphoma. Observations of these long term effects further solidify our understanding of the long-term consequences of smoking. los angeles compounding pharmacy

Responsible for nearly 500,000 deaths a year, the effects of cigarette smoking are the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. los angeles compounding pharmacy

As the medical community dedicates new technologies and resources to tobacco effect research, new information will hopefully continue to curb tobacco usage.