Scientists Studied the Lungs of Ex-Smokers. The Results Were Telling
Summary
Scientists at McGill University studied lungs from people who never smoked, currently smoke, and quit smoking. They found that while some lung damage from smoking improves after quitting, other changes last for years and might explain why former smokers still face health risks.Key Facts
- Researchers analyzed over 100,000 lung cells from 21 people: never smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers.
- Some lung cells recover after quitting smoking, but others show lasting changes in genes related to lung structure and immune function.
- Former smokers have unique molecular lung patterns that differ from both active smokers and never smokers.
- These lasting changes may explain why ex-smokers still have a higher risk of lung diseases like cancer and COPD.
- Understanding which lung damage is permanent can help develop better treatments for smoking-related illnesses.
- The research was published in the journal Translational Research.
- Next steps include finding why some lung cells do not fully heal after quitting smoking.
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