Chromosomal Instability in Amniocytes from Fetuses of Mothers Who Smoke

A recent study published in Journal of the American Medical Association showed that women who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least 10 years and while pregnant have an increased risk of having chromosomally damaged fetuses. The tobacco appears to damage a gene involved in producing the body's white blood cells, the cells used to fight infection. Damage to the production of these cells can result in leukemia. This study provides molecular evidence for the longstanding association of tobacco use by parents with leukemia in their infant children.

Chromosomal Instability in Amniocytes from Fetuses of Mothers Who Smoke
JAMA 2005;293:1212-1222
JAMA 2005;293:1264-1265
www.jama.com

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