Shortening of telomeres potentially contributes to accelerated aging process due to smoking.

Impact of Smoking on Telomere Shortening: Could Faster Aging be the Result?

A new study reveals that smoking causes damage to chromosomes, contributing to the aging process. The research, presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy, establishes a causal link between telomere length in white blood cells and smoking.

Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, play a crucial role in cell division. When telomeres become short, cells can no longer divide successfully and die. Previous research has linked individuals with either very short or very long telomeres to a higher risk of cancer, although the exact reason remains unknown.

The study found that smokers were more likely to have shorter telomeres, indicators of aging and cells' ability to repair and regenerate themselves. This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that smoking accelerates biological age.

How does smoking cause chromosome damage?

Tobacco smoke contains numerous procarcinogens—such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene) and nitrosamines—that are metabolically activated in the body to reactive compounds. These reactive metabolites form bulky DNA adducts, directly damaging DNA and causing mutations.

Smoking also generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, further contributing to chromosome damage and cellular aging. For example, oxidative damage can shorten telomeres, the chromosome end caps whose attrition signals aging and cell-cycle arrest.

Additionally, smoking alters gene expression and epigenetic patterns, dysregulating cellular homeostasis and aging clocks. It also modulates inflammatory and immune-related pathways, linking it with enhanced age-related tissue damage.

The Impact of Smoking on Aging and Cancer

Dr. William Dale, the director of the Center for Cancer and Aging at City of Hope, stated that smoking is known to shorten life by an average of about 10 years and that aging is an independent risk factor for cancer. Shorter telomeres were related to both smoking status and the quantity of cigarettes smoked, according to study author Siyu Dai, PhD.

Quitting smoking may considerably decrease the risk of chromosome damage, according to Dr. Dai. Future research may investigate the effect of passive smoking on tissue self-repair, regeneration, and aging.

The findings underscore the importance of smoking cessation for maintaining health and longevity. Understanding the genomics of cancer brings us closer to bringing the best treatment or prevention plan to each individual, as stated by Dr. Nguyen. Premature aging related to chromosomal damage can shorten life and affect quality of life, including cognitive function, mobility, nutrition, and social connectivity.

In summary, the study reveals that smoking causes damage to chromosomes and accelerates aging primarily through oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disruption of genetic and epigenetic regulation.