Genes That Regulate Heart Health Are Severely Impacted By Cigarette Smoke

Researchers who looked at why mainstream and sidestream smoke increases the risk of heart disease among obese people have found a genetic answer. Sidestream smoke – from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, etc. – inhibits the activity of genes that protect the heart and lungs, and activates genes associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The U.S. study in mice is the first to examine how the heart responds to cigarette smoke in the context of a high-fat diet and obesity, and provides a first step toward finding a molecular basis for the damage to the heart and lungs caused by tobacco smoke inhalation.