A new study from the University of Chicago analyzed data from more than 900 samples of nine different human tissue types to understand just how deep the cellular and genetic damage from smoking goes. The research team generated epigenetic data to assess the effects of smoking on DNA methylation, or genetic locations where a handful of atoms can attach to DNA and turn off gene expression.
They found several new regions associated with smoking, including some that are shared across tissue types, suggesting that DNA methylation is part of the body's attempts to defend itself from the damaging effects of tobacco smoke.
Comment: Vaccines work by stimulating the body to protect itself against dead viruses, and yet they're considered to be a revolution in medicine; exercise 'damages' the muscle tissue creating a healthier physiology overall - the point being that perhaps there's more than one way to look at what's happening here.
Comment: For further insight into the potential health benefits of tobacco smoking, see: