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

Date: October 8, 2015

Source: American Society of Human Genetics

Summary:

Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use cause epigenetic changes to DNA that reflect accelerated biological aging in distinct, measurable ways, according to research. The researchers estimated biological age using a previously validated epigenetic "clock" , calculated the difference between biological age and chronological age, and assessed the relationship between tobacco and alcohol use and premature aging.

See more at:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151008173505.htm