World's Most Popular Drink Causes Changes to Women

pouring tea from cast-iron teapot

Tea, the world's most popular beverage (not counting water), has been shown to cause changes to the genomes of women.  The changes are subtle, slight modifications, called 'epigeneticGene expression can be altered by changes to the DNA and chromatin that do not change the DNA sequence, and are termed epigenetic changes. Two types are: Methylation: where some DNA nucleotides are modified by the addition of a methyl (-CH3) group. Methylation of DNA is associated with the inactivation of that particular region of DNA. Abnormal DNA methylation patterns have been seen in cancer cells. Acetylation: histone proteins around which the DNA is wound are modified by the addition of acetyl (-CH3CHO) groups. This loosens the DNA:histone interaction and is associated with increased gene expression. Understanding the addition and removal of acetyl groups to DNA is an active area of cancer treatment research.' changes. Changes were seen in genes known to be involved in controlling the activity of the hormoneA chemical produced by cells that alters the activity of other cells. The chemicals may be lipids, such as testosterone and estrogen or proteins like insulin. Hormones may act at locations far from their site of origin. Estrogen, for example, is produced primarily by cells in the ovaries but acts on cells in the breast and elsewhere. estrogenA steroid sex hormone. Estrogen's structure is closely related to cholesterol. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen has effects on the reproductive, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Estrogen is also a growth factor for some types of cells, including breast cells. Inhibitors of estrogen function such as tamoxifen and arimidex are used to block the growth effects of estrogen. See also, estrogen receptor..  The changes are thought to reduce inflammationA reaction to tissue damage or invasion. Small blood vessels become leaky, leading to redness and swelling. Cells of the immune system migrate to the area and can release chemicals and proteins that cause damage to the structures/cells nearby. and could help reduce cancer risk.  Interestingly, changes were not seen in the genes of men.  So ladies...it's tea time!

Image Credit
By Kristina Walter - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4522536