DNA damage in smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a complex respiratory condition with significant health implications, often associated with cigarette smoking but also involving non-smoking factors. This study focused on the analysis of DNA damage as a potential mechanism of lung injury. Materials and methods: In a study involving 80 elderly COPD patients, participants were categorized into three groups based on their smoking habits: current smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. The comet assay was used to quantify DNA damage. Additionally, we investigated whether oxygen therapy could influence the level of DNA damage in the patients. Results: Current smoking patients exhibited significantly higher levels of DNA damage compared to former smokers and non-smokers, confirming the role of cigarette smoking in such damage.Moreover, former smokers displayed persistent DNA damage despite having quit smoking. Surprisingly, oxygen therapy had no significant impact on DNA damage in COPD patients. Conclusion: This study confirms the significant association between cigarette smoking and DNA damage in COPD patients. DNA damage appears to persist in former smokers, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the involved mechanisms. These findings underscore the importance of further research to address this issue and its implications for human health.