Scientists have discovered a direct link between the level of air pollution and the number of oncogenic mutations to those who have not yet smokers.
Contaminated air can cause DNA mutations, similar to the fact that the causes of smoking, reports of the carefuler -based magazine study in nature.
Scientists are investigating 871 sample lung tumors from people who are not yet smoking, from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, and ended: the higher the level of air pollution in the region, the more mutations that cause cancer are noticed in the organisms of the inhabitants.
Small -dispersed particles with mutations of the TP53 gene, which are responsible for suppressing tumors, are especially connected. Both changes have previously been recorded by smokers. In addition, in residents of regions with severe pollution, shorter telomeres are found – DNA areas that protect chromosoms. Their premature shortness is a sign of accelerated cellular division characteristic of cancer.
“We first show that air pollution brings the same types of mutations such as smoking,” said Professor Lyudmil Alexandrov from the University of California in San Diego.
Experts are warning: in a world where smoking gradually decreases, part of lung cancer cases in those who never smoke grow. Now they make up 10-25% of all reviewed cases. Often we talk about adenocarcinoma – one of the forms of lung cancer.
The risk can also come from some Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid. Researchers have found the characteristics associated with these drugs, almost exclusively in non -smokers with Taiwan.
In addition, scientists have revealed another, to this day misunderstood, type of mutation, which is only observed in non -smokers. This will be a matter of further research.
Remember that it was previously reported that scientists have found a connection between air quality and the number of suicides.
The acidity of the ocean reaches critical levels: under the threat to the entire ecosystem
News from CORRESPONDENT.NET On the telegram and whatsapp. Subscribe to our channels https://t.me/KorresPondentNet and WhatsApp
Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.