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Recent studies have shown
that even if they smoke less than men, women are more vulnerable to lung
cancer. Now, new research explains
why.
Scientists at the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center found a gene that is more prevalent in women than
men and appears to respond to nicotine. The gene, gastin-releasing peptide
receptor, is found on the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes. Men have
only one. This gene is found in cells that line the lungs. Nicotine from
cigarettes triggers the GRPR gene to induce uncontrolled cell growth, which can
lead to lung cancer.
"Our research
strongly suggests that women are likely to develop lung cancer after much less
smoking exposure than men and much earlier in life, regardless of their smoking
history," says Sharon Shriver, lead researcher. "The take-home message,
especially for teen-age girls, is that they should stop smoking or, better yet,
never start."
The findings were based on
lung-tissue samples from 38 women and 40 men. This study is published in the
Jan. 5 Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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