A recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam has shed light on the potential effects of parental smoking during puberty on the aging process of their offspring. According to the research, individuals whose fathers smoked during puberty showed signs of accelerated biological aging compared to their chronological age. This finding suggests that smoking during this critical developmental period may have long-lasting effects on future generations.
Dr. Juan Pablo López-Cervantes from the University of Bergen led the study, which focused on the impact of parental smoking on epigenetic changes associated with aging. Epigenetic clocks were used to measure these changes, revealing that individuals whose fathers began smoking during puberty were, on average, nine months to a year older biologically than their chronological age. This discrepancy increased to 14 to 15 months when considering the participants’ own smoking habits.
The study highlighted the potential risks associated with smoking during puberty, as accelerated biological aging has been linked to a higher risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and dementia. Dr. López-Cervantes suggested that smoking during puberty may alter the epigenetic material of sperm cells, leading to changes that can be passed on to future generations.
While the study focused on the impact of paternal smoking during puberty, no clear pattern was observed in individuals whose mothers smoked before pregnancy. This underscores the importance of preventing tobacco use in adolescents to protect not only the current generation but also future offspring.
Dr. Stamatoula Tsikrika, Chair of the European Respiratory Society’s expert group on tobacco control, emphasized the need for stronger efforts to prevent smoking and vaping among teenagers. The long-term consequences of nicotine addiction and vaping on future generations remain unclear, making it crucial to prioritize the protection of children and adolescents from these harmful habits.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the potential intergenerational effects of smoking during puberty and highlight the importance of tobacco prevention efforts in adolescent populations. By addressing these issues proactively, we can help safeguard the health and well-being of both current and future generations.
