Scientists understand why smokers are healthy lungs – BBC Russian

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Image caption The best tool is still a complete cessation of smoking, say scientists

British scientists have claimed to have found the answer to the riddle of why some smokers with great experience are almost completely intact lungs.

The study, which was attended by more than 50 thousand. man found that in some cases observed beneficial mutations of DNA responsible for the functioning of the respiratory system that can compensate for the negative effects of smoking.

It is known that many, although not all, smokers over time develop lung disease. However, similar illness can occur in people who had never touched a cigarette.

After reviewing the medical records and genetic information of more than 50 thousand British volunteers – smokers and non-smokers suffering from lung diseases and healthy – the researchers were able identify the sites of DNA code that are responsible for reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – diseases that are most associated with smoking.

Doctors established that the owners of “good genes” are less at risk to acquire this disease than those who are endowed with “bad genes”.

As one of the study’s authors, Professor Martin Tobin revealed their genes are responsible for the growth of lung tissue, and how it responds to the damage.

Representatives of the Medical Research Council said that this discovery could lead to development of new drugs aimed at the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

At the same time, they point out, the best way is still a complete cessation of smoking.