Smoking Can Erase the Y Chromosome in Men

 

Male smokers are three times more likely than non-smoking men to lose their Y chromosomes, a new study has found.

Researchers at Sweden's Uppsala University found that Y chromosomes, which are important for sex determination and sperm production, more often disappear from blood cells of smokers than those of men who have never smoked or of men who have kicked the habit. 

Since only men have Y chromosomes, the finding offers a possible answer to why smoking is a greater risk factor for cancer among men than women.

Women have two X chromosomes; males have an X and a Y. 

The research may explain why men develop and die from many cancers at disproportionate rates compared to women.

A recent study found an association between Y chromosome loss and a shorter life span, as well as a higher risk of multiple cancers

Besides lung cancer, which is caused by smoking and is often fatal, tobacco smoking is known to be a major risk factor for a range of serious illnesses. 

It is the world's leading preventable cause of premature death from chronic conditions such as heart disease, strokes and high blood pressure.

Epidemiological data show male smokers have a higher risk of developing non-lung forms of cancer than women who smoke.