A groundbreaking study has identified a genetic link to smoking in pregnancy, shedding new light on its long-term effects.
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have uncovered gene variants that increase the likelihood of maternal smoking, potentially opening doors to more effective smoking cessation treatments.
The study, one of the largest of its kind, analysed data from over half a million individuals across the UK to examine how maternal smoking impacts health into adulthood.
Findings suggest that males are more affected by maternal smoking than females, with a higher likelihood of early death if they also take up smoking.
The research, published in eBiomedicine, part of The Lancet Discovery Science, was led by Professor Paul Fowler, Chair in Translational Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen.
The study used data from the UK Biobank, which includes genetic, biochemical, and socio-demographic information from individuals across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Results revealed that male fetuses show genetic changes in the liver as early as 17 weeks in the womb, with these effects persisting into adulthood.
Men exposed to maternal smoking were found to have an increased risk of cancer and type II diabetes, while women were more prone to digestive and reproductive disorders as well as mental health issues.
Despite these risks, the study found that men who never smoked could counteract the adverse effects of maternal smoking.
This suggests that smoking cessation campaigns should specifically target children of smokers to mitigate potential health risks.
The research also highlights the possibility of screening pregnant women for gene variants associated with smoking addiction, allowing for personalised interventions.
Mihail Mihov, a postgraduate researcher involved in the study, emphasised that these findings provide new insights into how maternal smoking affects a child’s health from the second trimester onward.
The study further suggests that addressing smoking in pregnancy could help reduce long-term health burdens in ageing populations.
Professor Felix Grassmann, a co-lead researcher from the Health and Medical University in Potsdam, Germany, noted that previous studies lacked sufficient data to uncover these genetic associations.
The large-scale nature of this study allowed for statistically significant conclusions, reinforcing the importance of tackling smoking in pregnancy at a genetic level.
Professor Paul Fowler hopes the findings will contribute to future research into the molecular effects of maternal smoking and lead to improved counselling strategies for smoking cessation.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the enduring health consequences of maternal smoking.
She also called for stronger regulatory measures against the tobacco industry, which continues to profit at the expense of public health.
John Waldron, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at ASH, highlighted the need for sustained government support to help pregnant women quit smoking.
He pointed out that while the UK’s generational smoking ban could significantly reduce smoking rates among pregnant women, further efforts are needed to support current smokers.
With funding from institutions including the University of Aberdeen, the UK Medical Research Council, and NHS Grampian Charity, this study underscores the urgent need for action to curb maternal smoking and its long-term effects.
