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Aberdeen, Scotland – A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Aberdeen has revealed a significant genetic link between smoking during pregnancy and long-lasting health effects, particularly in male offspring. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed data from over half a million individuals across the United Kingdom, making it one of the largest investigations of its kind.
The research team, led by Professor Paul Fowler, discovered that sons exposed to maternal smoking in the womb face a greater risk of adverse health outcomes throughout their lives, including a higher likelihood of premature death if they themselves become smokers.
“Our findings show that maternal smoking impacts baby’s health, particularly for males, from as early as the second trimester and this continues throughout adulthood,” said postgraduate researcher Mihail Mihov.
The study utilized genetic data from the UK Biobank, allowing researchers to identify specific gene variants associated with maternal smoking. They found that male fetuses and adult sons are more affected by maternal smoking than females, with observed changes in gene expression in male fetal livers as early as 17 weeks of gestation.
Notably, the researchers emphasized that the increased risk of early death associated with maternal smoking could be mitigated if men avoid smoking altogether. “Our results indicate that smoking cessation or, ideally, not smoking at all in men can counter the increased risk of early death in adulthood,” Mihov explained.
The study also revealed sex-specific health risks. Men were found to be more susceptible to developing cancer and type 2 diabetes, while women were more likely to experience digestive and reproductive disorders and mental health issues.
The identification of gene variants linked to smoking addiction during pregnancy opens new avenues for targeted smoking cessation treatments. Researchers suggest that screening mothers for these variants could help identify individuals who would benefit from additional counseling.
“We hope our findings will pave the way towards investigating the molecular effects of maternal smoking, which will allow the scientific community to uncover the specific mechanisms by which the trait modifies or initiates specific diseases,” said Professor Fowler.
Health organizations, including ASH Scotland and ASH, have welcomed the study, emphasizing the need for robust support systems to help pregnant women quit smoking. They also highlighted the importance of policies, like the generational smoking ban, and continued funding for smoking cessation programs.
“This study highlights the importance of supporting every woman to have a smokefree pregnancy,” said John Waldron, policy and public affairs manager at ASH.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to their health or treatment. The findings discussed in this article are based on research studies, and further research may be necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings.
