Alcohol has adverse impact on health of individuals who consume it. Research suggests that alcohol consumption not only develops different types of cancer cells but also leads to growth of these cells.
According to an article published in Catch News, Cambridge University has recently conducted a study in which it was found that alcohol consumption permanently damages the DNA in stem cells and increases the risk of cancer. The study was also published in the Journal Nature.
The studies conducted on impact of alcohol consumption found that creation of acetaldehyde in human liver due to consumption of alcohol enhances the risk of carcinogenic factors. It was demonstrated by administering alcohol to mice.
Then, observation was done on its effects of DNA sequencing and chromosome analysis. The scientists concluded that creation of acetaldehyde in the human liver permanently damages DNA in the blood stem cells.
“Some cancers develop due to DNA damage in stem cells. While some damage occurs by chance, our findings suggest that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of this damage.” Says lead author of the study Ketan Patel.
Human body contains ALDH enzyme groups which are responsible for breaking down of the acetaldehyde after consumption of alcohol. But investigative studies found that significant number of people in the world carry defective ALDH enzyme in their bodies which results in accumulation of acetaldehyde in body leading to cancer.