Investigating the Impact of Smoking in the Post-COVID-19 Era on Young People: DNA Damage Analysis Using the Comet Assay
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025),
2 Esfand 2025
,
Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v16i1.50781
Abstract
Background and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic not only challenged immune and respiratory systems but also reshaped health-related behaviors, including tobacco use. Increasing evidence suggests that cigarette smoking exacerbates oxidative stress and genomic instability in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of smoking on DNA damage among young adults in the post-COVID-19 period using the Comet Assay technique.
Methods: This analytical study included 45 male COVID-19 patients (under 60 years old) who were active or former smokers and were hospitalized in May 2024 at a university-affiliated hospital in Sari, Iran. A comparison group consisted of 42 age-matched non-smoking COVID-19 patients, and 25 healthy non-smoking, non-infected individuals served as the control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants, and DNA damage in leukocytes was assessed by Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet Assay). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the extent of DNA damage among groups.
Results: The results showed a significant increase in DNA damage indices—including tail length and tail DNA percentage—in smoking COVID-19 patients compared with both non-smoking patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Former smokers also exhibited elevated but comparatively lower levels of DNA damage. These findings suggest that cigarette smoking, even after recovery from COVID-19, can exacerbate oxidative stress and impair DNA repair mechanisms, leading to persistent genomic instability. The Comet Assay proved to be a sensitive and valuable biomarker for detecting subtle DNA damage and monitoring post-viral cellular health.
Conclusion: Smoking remains a significant contributor to genomic injury in young adults recovering from COVID-19.
- COVID-19
- Smoking
- DNA Damage
- Comet Assay
- Post-COVID-19
- Genomic Instability
How to Cite
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