Smoking and heavy alcohol use are associated with epigenetic signs of aging

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-10/asoh-sah093015.php

Public Release: 8-Oct-2015
Smoking and heavy alcohol use are associated with epigenetic signs of aging
Findings reported at ASHG 2015 Annual Meeting
American Society of Human Genetics

Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use cause epigenetic changes to DNA that reflect accelerated biological aging in distinct, measurable ways, according to research presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2015 Annual Meeting in Baltimore.

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Prior research had shown that methylation patterns change in predictable ways as people age, as well as in response to environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoke and alcohol.

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they showed, DNA methylation levels at these two locations was a better measure of substance use than people's self-reported estimates.

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They found that all levels of exposure to smoke were associated with significantly premature aging. Interestingly, moderate alcohol use - about one to two drinks per day - was correlated with the healthiest aging, while very low and high consumption were linked to accelerated aging.

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