Better lungs in spite of harmful smoking. Happy genes responsible

British researchers unlock the secret of smokers' lung health 
Smoking is the most common cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), six million people die each year as a result of tobacco use. However, not all smokers seem to be equally at risk, but the disease risk may be determined by genetic factors. British researchers have now identified six genetic variations that appear to play a key role in lung health.

Risk of stroke and heart attack from cigarette consumption particularly high
Smoking is bad for your health - so much is known to everyone. It is considered a key risk factor for many serious diseases such as Lung cancer, smoker's leg, stroke, heart attack, COPD or asthma and is the number one cause of death in the world.

But how come one person stays healthy despite one box a day, while another smokes only a few cigarettes and still suffers from cancer? Apparently the genes play an important role here. For the first time, British researchers have succeeded in determining six genetic variations that are directly related to lung health.

The Helmut Schmidt phenomenon: Despite decades of smoking, some people can become very old. Picture: eyetronic - fotolia

Researchers at the university, together with colleagues from Leicester University, have investigated whether the occurrence of lung disease COPD may be influenced by genetic factors, the University of Nottingham said. The term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" (COPD for short) refers to various clinical pictures, which are characterized mainly by typical smoker's cough, increased sputum, morning cough and respiratory distress. COPD is now considered a common disease, which affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide.

Scientists use UK biobank with data of 500,000 people
The researchers used the so-called "U.K Biobank" for their study, which is a large, long-term biobank study in the UK that stores the medical data of 500,000 volunteers. They chose a subset of 50,000 people from the large pool, including those with and without COPD, as well as heavy smokers and non-smokers.

After analyzing the probands' DNA, the scientists compared the identified genetic variations to the lung health and smoking behavior of the participants. It showed an interesting result, because the team was able to show six new genetic variations that have a direct impact on the functioning of the lung, the scientists in the journal "Lancet Respiratory Medicine". This applies accordingly to smokers and non-smokers alike, but the exact connections are not yet clear to the researchers.

Results could drive the development of new treatments
"The medicines we use to prevent or treat diseases target the proteins in our bodies and our genes influence the production of proteins. Understanding how genes are involved in disease or tobacco addiction can help us develop better and more targeted treatments that are likely to be more effective and have fewer side effects, "said study leader Professor Ian Hall of the University of Nottingham.

Now, researchers hope to expand the study to examine the genetics of all 500,000 U.K Biobank participants to be available next year. (No)