About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Passive Smoking by the Unborn - Danger to Long-term Health

by Rathi Manohar on July 2, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Font : A-A+

Passive Smoking by the Unborn - Danger to Long-term Health

Genetic mutations with an impact on long-term health have been noticed in children born to non-smoking mothers, reveals a study done at University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

The abnormalities, which were indistinguishable from those found in newborns of mothers who were active smokers, may affect survival, birth weight and lifelong susceptibility to diseases like cancer, the study revealed.

Advertisement

The study confirmed previous research in which study author Stephen G. Grant, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, discovered evidence of abnormalities in the HPRT gene located on the X chromosome in cord blood from newborns of non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

In the current study, Dr. Grant confirmed smoke-induced mutation in another gene called glycophorin A, or GPA, that is representative of oncogenes - genes that transform normal cells into cancer cells and cause solid tumors. The GPA mutation was the same level and type in newborns of mothers who were active smokers and of non-smoking mothers exposed to tobacco smoke. Likewise, the mutations were discernable in newborns of women who had stopped smoking during their pregnancies, but who did not actively avoid second-hand smoke.
Advertisement

"These findings back up our previous conclusion that passive, or secondary, smoke causes permanent genetic damage in newborns that is very similar to the damage caused by active smoking," Dr. Grant said.

"By using a different assay, we were able to pick up a completely distinct yet equally important type of genetic mutation that is likely to persist throughout a child's lifetime. Pregnant women should not only stop smoking, but be aware of their exposure to tobacco smoke from other family members, work and social situations," he added.

The study was published in the online Open Pediatric Medicine Journal.

Source: ANI
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Reading

Latest Child Health News

Stunted Growth in North Korean Kids: What You Need to Know
In 2022, the number of North Korean kids falling under the obese category stood at 47,500 compared with 25,100 in 2012.
Fatty Acid in Breast Milk Linked to Improved Heart Function
In mice the maternal milk provides a key signal that instructs cardiomyocytes to activate lipid metabolism.
A Closer Look at the Rise in Heart Inflammation in Newborns
Among infants infections from enterovirus are common, but the association to heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) with severe outcomes is unusual.
 “Eat, Sleep, Console” Approach: Better Way to Help Newborns in Opioid Withdrawal
New approach called “Eat, Sleep, Console” gets newborns with symptoms of opioid withdrawal out of the hospital sooner and with less medication.
Toxic Threat to Child Development: Air Pollution
Ground-breaking study has linked poor air quality in India to cognitive deficits in infants, highlighting the potential long-term impact of pollution on child development.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Passive Smoking by the Unborn - Danger to Long-term Health Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests