Why Do Some Smokers Have Healthy Lungs?

A recent study revealed that some people showed favourable mutations in their DNA leading to enhanced lung function despite smoking.

16:30 28 September 2015

Some smokers may appear to have healthy lungs due to favourable mutations in their DNA, lowering their risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), researchers have claimed.

 

An analysis of more than 50,000 people showed favourable mutations in people’s DNA leading to enhanced lung function. The Medical Research Council scientists say that this could lead to the discovery of new drugs that can enhance lung function.

 

Prof Martin Tobin, one of the researchers at the University of Leicester, said the some people possess genes that affect the way the lungs grow and respond to injury. However, he explained: "There doesn't appear to be any kind of magic bullet that would give anyone guaranteed protection against tobacco smoke - they would still have lungs that were unhealthier than they would be had they been a non-smoker.

 

"The strongest thing that people can do to affect their future health in terms of COPD and also smoking-related disease like cancer and heart disease is to stop smoking."

Ian Jarrold, the head of research at the British Lung Foundation, said: "These findings represent a significant step forward in helping us achieve a clearer picture about the fascinating and intricate reality of lung health.

 

"Understanding genetic predisposition is essential in not only helping us develop new treatments for people with lung disease but also in teaching otherwise healthy people how to better take care of their lungs."