Early Age at Smoking Initiation and Tobacco Carcinogen DNA Damage in the Lung

• DOI: 10.1093/jnci/91.7.614
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T22:25:57Z
• Authors: J. K. Wiencke; S. W. Thurston; K. T. Kelsey; A. Varkonyi; J. C. Wain; E. J. Mark; D. C. Christiani
• Keywords: DNA adduct; Tobacco smoke

BACKGROUND: DNA adducts formed as a consequence of exposure to tobacco smoke may be involved in carcinogenesis, and their presence indicate high risk lung cancer. To determine whether can used "dosimeter" for cancer risk, we measured the adduct levels nontumorous tissue blood mononuclear cells from patients with cancer, collected data on history smoking. METHODS: We 32 P-postlabeling assay measure aromatic hydrophobic 143 54 these patients. From smoking histories, identified variables associated increased by use multivariate analyses negative binomial regression models. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: found statistically significant interactions current former other (e.g., pack-years [ number packs smoked per day × years smoking] or smoked), indicating that impact different smokers. Consequently, our models smokers should considered separately. In smokers, recent intensity (cigarettes day) was most important variable. age at initiation inversely levels. A highly correlation ( r = .77 [Spearman's correlation]; two sided P <.001) observed between tissue. IMPLICATIONS: Our results suggest during adolescence produce physiologic changes lead persistence young markedly susceptible formation have higher burdens after they quit than those who started later life.