Researchers Find A Link Between Smoking And Loss Of The Y Chromosome

Smoking may harm the Y chromosome, according to recent findings published in the journal Science. Researchers at Uppsala University found a link between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells.

"We have previously in 2014 demonstrated an association between loss of the Y chromosome in blood and greater risk for cancer. We now tested if there were any lifestyle- or clinical factors that could be linked to loss of the Y chromosome. Out of a large number of factors that were studied, such as age, blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol intake and smoking, we found that loss of the Y chromosome in a fraction of the blood cells was more common in smokers than in non-smokers," said Lars Forsberg, researcher at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, and other researchers, in a news release. 

Researchers believe that this may explain why smoking is oftentimes a greater risk factor for cancer among men and why men typically have a shorter life expectancy than women, in general.

For the study, researchers analyzed blood samples from over 6,000 older men who took part in three separate studies. Findings revealed that 15 percent of men aged 70 and older had a significant loss of the Y chromosome (at least 10 percent).

Current smokers were also two to four times more likely to show loss of the Y chromosome than non-smokers, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

Numerous factors were considered during the study, including high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight and lack of exercise.

However, only smoking and older age showed a connection. 

Researchers are still looking into the possible loss of the X chromosome for women.

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