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Genetic mutations could be why some smokers never get lung cancer: Study

Smoking cigarettes is widely known to be one of the biggest contributors to lung cancer, but some scientists have reported a new explanation as to why some smokers never develop the disease or even so much as a cough, in a new study published on Monday.

The study, led by scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, found that some smokers may have robust mechanisms that protect them from developing lung cancer by limiting mutations.

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The researchers’ findings could help identify smokers that are at a higher risk of lung cancer and therefore warrant especially close monitoring.

It has long been assumed that cigarette smoking leads to lung cancer by triggering DNA mutations in normal lung cells. One of the doctors involved in the study, Dr. Jan Vijg, who is also a professor and chair of genetics, ophthalmology and visual sciences at the university, developed a new sequencing technique called single-cell multiple displacement amplifications SCMDA) to yield more accurate genomic sequencing results on the matter.

The researchers used SCMDA to “compare the mutational landscape of normal lung epithelial cells (cells lining the lung)” from two groups: 14 non-smokers who never smoked before between the ages of 11 and 86, and 119 smokers aged 44 to 81 who smoked a maximum of 116 pack years, according to the university’s statement.

The cells were then collected from patients who were undergoing bronchoscopy for diagnostic tests that were not related to cancer.

“These lung cells survive for years, even decades, and thus can accumulate mutations with both age and smoking,” said Simon Spivack, M.D., M.P.H., a co-senior author of the study, professor of medicine, of epidemiology & population health, and of genetics at Einstein, and a pulmonologist at Montefiore Health System. “Of all the lung’s cell types, these are among the most likely to become cancerous.”

The researchers found that mutations accumulated in the lung cells of non-smokers as they age and that many more mutations were found in the lungs of smokers.

“This experimentally confirms that smoking increases lung cancer risk by increasing the frequency of mutations, as previously hypothesized,” Spivack said. “This is likely one reason why so few non-smokers get lung cancer, while 10 percent to 20 percent of lifelong smokers do.”

He added that the heaviest smokers “did not have the highest mutation burden,” with data suggesting that these individuals “may have survived for so long in spite of their heavy smoking because they managed to suppress further mutation accumulation.”

“This leveling off of mutations could stem from these people having very proficient systems for repairing DNA damage or detoxifying cigarette smoke.”

The researchers also found that the amount of cell mutations seen in lung cells increased “in a straight line” with number of pack years spent smoking. This suggested that lung cancer risk increased at the same rate.

Despite those findings, the observed rise in cell mutations stopped after 23 pack years of smoke exposure.

“This may prove to be an important step toward the prevention and early detection of lung cancer risk and away from the current herculean efforts needed to battle late-stage disease, where the majority of health expenditures and misery occur,” Spivack said.

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ABU DHABI NATIONAL HOTELS PRESENTS SEPTEMBER OFFERS

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Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.

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Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area

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