‘Some smokers have DNA which protects lungs against damage’
The root of what is healthy lung area was in fact discovered to be beneficial mutations for a few people’s The genetic code. The data provided by Biobank enabled the research team to analyze records of nearly half million British residents.
Good genes were found in more than 50,000 people that have been analysed in the study, which appeared to be protected by mutated DNA.
Nonetheless, of six people diagnosed with COPD, 1 has never smoked. Those with extensive small cell cancer of the lung survive only 9-11 months following the diagnosis of the disease. This was also despite external factors like smoking.
The research comes from University of Nottingham’s Professor Ian Hall and University of Leicester’s Professor Martin Tobin, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).
The team now hopes to expands its research into the remainder of the 500,000 participants once the data becomes available in 2016. COPD is often uncovered during exacerbations and after significant loss of lung function. Both groups completed questionnaires and had their lung function measured using peak flow and spirometry. All the participants, aged 40 to 69 years, have supplied DNA samples and detailed health information about themselves. It causes coughing and lack of breath after minimal effort, affecting numerous people worldwide.
Visit the Harvard Chan website for the latest news, press releases, and multimedia offerings. These genes further appeared to also impact the growth and injury response of the lungs. DNA may just help smokers secure their health but avoiding cigarettes altogether will always be the healthier option.
This new study, considered the largest-ever epidemiologic study of SCLC, is the first to look at how much COPD increases smokers’ risk of getting SCLC. The even found genetic variants that were associated with COPD which affected participant’s health even if they were non-smokers. The results will help researchers develop adequate treatments with less side effects for lung diseases, and may also help smokers quit in the future. Although smoking is a huge risk factor for lung diseases like COPD, genetics play a part as well. Or are you a non-smoker who has developed lung disease.
Nevertheless, scientists still insist that smoking is highly inadvisable, especially since most patients may not know if they have these protective genes.
The most important thing people could do to reduce their chances of smoking-related diseases like cancer and heart disease was to stop smoking, he told the BBC.
During the study smokers and non-smokers as well as those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and those without it, were examined by researchers.