Genetic alteration may represent early stage of smoking-induced cardiovascular damage

March 31, 2011

A new study uncovers a previously unrecognized link between tobacco smoking and a gene known to influence the cardiovascular system, possibly identifying an early stage of smoking-associated cardiovascular pathology. The research, published by Cell Press in the April issue of The American Journal of Human Genetics, may serve to guide future research strategies aimed at identifying and counteracting mechanisms of smoking-induced pathology.

Tobacco smoking is powerfully addictive and damages the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, leading to malignancy and premature death. "Although the promotion of clearly remains imperative, a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes linking tobacco smoking and its sequelae could yield opportunities to positively influence disease risk in the large population of continuing smokers," explains lead study author Dr. Lutz P. Breitling, from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany.

One possible mechanism that has the potential for mediating the harmful effects of tobacco smoking is . DNA methylation, the attachment of methyl groups to specific sites within a section of DNA, is recognized as an important mechanism for regulating gene function and may play a significant role in diseases with a complex phenotype. Although previous studies have linked nicotine and smoking with altered methylation of several genes, comparison of methylation status between heavy smokers who do not have cancer and individuals who have never smoked has not been fully examined.

Dr. Breitling and colleagues used a recently developed technique to conduct a genome-wide search for differential methylation correlated with in 177 current, former, and never smokers. The researchers discovered a single section of DNA that exhibited lower methylation in smokers. The site was located within a gene called coagulation factor II receptor-like 3 (F2RL3). F2RL3 has been linked with the process of blood clotting and with other cardiovascular functions. Interestingly, the protein coded by this gene has never been mentioned in the smoking literature.

"Our results show that the gene coding for a potential drug target of cardiovascular importance features altered methylation patterns in smokers," concludes Dr. Breitling. "Intriguing perspectives lie in the possibility that this gene could be causally involved at a very initial stage of smoking-related cardiovascular pathology. A better understanding of its role might open up avenues for preventing the development of associated disease in subjects unable to quit smoking."

Provided by Cell Press search and more info website


Rank not rated yet
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

Keep food safety in mind this memorial day weekend

(HealthDay) -- Picnics, parades and cookouts are as much a part of Memorial Day weekend as tributes to the United States' war veterans.

Medicine & Health / Health

created 5 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Family history of Alzheimer's affects functional connectivity

(HealthDay) -- Cognitively normal individuals with a family history of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) may display lower resting state functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) of the brain, ...

Medicine & Health / Alzheimer's disease & dementia

created 14 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Transvaginal mesh op restores pelvic organ prolapse at price

(HealthDay) -- Transvaginal mesh (TVM) procedures are effective for anatomical restoration of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but patients report a worsening of sexual function following surgery, according to ...

Medicine & Health / Other

created 15 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Travel to high altitudes tied to Crohn's, colitis flare-ups

(HealthDay) -- People with inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and colitis, may be at increased risk for flare-ups when they fly or travel to high altitudes for skiing or mountain climbing, ...

Medicine & Health / Inflammatory disorders

created 15 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Of mice and mental models: Neuroscientific implications of risk-optimized behavior in the mouse

(Medical Xpress) -- Regardless of an organism’s biological complexity, every encephalized animal continuously makes under-informed behavioral choices that can have serious consequences. Despite its ubiquity, ...

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created May 25, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast feature


Dell tablet leak: 10.1-inch display, two-battery choice

(Phys.org) -- Headline after headline talks about vendors’ tablets in the wings as likely number-one contenders for the iPad. Such claims have justifiably been taken with a grain of salt, considering ...

Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history

(AP) -- Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself.

SpotterRF debuts Radar Backpack Kit (w/ Video)

(Phys.org) -- SpotterRF has announced a special radar backpack kit designed to enhance situational awareness for soldiers on the ground. The company says its special radar is designed for warfighters as part ...

SpaceX capsule has 'new car' smell, astronauts say (Update)

SpaceX's Dragon cargo vessel smells like a new car, said astronauts at the International Space Station after opening the hatches Saturday following the spacecraft's landmark mission to the orbiting lab.

Thousands of shellfish found dead in Peru

Thousands of crustaceans were found dead off the coast of Lima following the mystery mass death of dolphins and pelicans, the Peruvian Navy said Friday.

Astronomers seize last chance in lifetime for Venus Transit

Astronomers are gearing for one the rarest events in the Solar System: an alignment of Earth, Venus and the Sun that will not be seen for another 105 years.