Swedish study links smoking to loss of Y chromosome

A recent study linked smoking to a loss of the Y chromosome, suggesting why men have a higher risk of smoking-related diseases than women.

The report, published Thursday in Science, participates in the work of several researchers from the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

Found on a sample of more than 6,000 people, researchers have fewer regular smokers Y chromosomes in red blood cells as a non-smoker, moderate smokers or ex-smokers. The results show why men are more likely than women from tobacco-related cancers Respiratory different body areas.

"Epidemiological data suggest that smoking is a greater risk of these cancers in men compared to women," the study, noting how the mutation or loss of the male Y chromosome increases the risk of tumors. "The conclusion that smoking induces [loss of the Y chromosome] thus combines a preventable risk factor with the most common acquired mutations in humans."

Besides smoking, the researchers also took into account age, blood pressure, diabetes and alcohol consumption.

The differences in the Y chromosome were visible in only a fraction of red blood cells of each subject. Data showed men who had quit a similar number of Y chromosomes in non-smokers, suggesting a loss can be reversible. Moderate smokers also showed an increase in Y chromosomes of heavy smoking.