How Some Smokers Stay Healthy

A British team of scientists funded by the Medical Research Council have recently discovered genetic differences that increases someone's likelihood of becoming addicted to cigarettes. The team, led by Ian Hall, found that certain DNA profiles have a lower risk of developing COPD, a collection of lung-related diseases. This DNA profile works regardless of external factors, like smoking. The genes linked to this profile are believed to affect the way the lungs grow and respond to injury. Unfortunately, the team also discovered a DNA profile that tended to increase the likelihood of developing lung disorders. This DNA profile helps to explain why many nonsmokers develop COPD. The team hopes that this research can help lead to better treatments for COPD.

Along with this discovery, the team was the first to discover five sections of DNA that can be linked to becoming a heavy smoker. These sections appear to affect the brain's functions in response to nicotine. This relationship is still being researched to better understand the process. Hall says that this research can help lead to more targeted treatments and can help combat those addicted to cigarettes beat the addiction.

This article help clarify something that I have always been confused about, that being that there are so many heavy smokers that appear to be very healthy individuals. Hopefully this research leads to not only treatments for lung disorders, but better methods to help smokers quit. This habit can be so life altering and there needs to be better ways to help people quit. While I do not believe that many current or future smokers will care that there are DNA profiles that increase the likelihood of developing COPD, I do think that this discovery can help sway some future smokers from beginning this habit.

The original article can be found here.