Early-life tobacco exposure, genetic susceptibility, and multiple digestive diseases: evidence from two large cohorts and genetic analyses

Early-life tobacco exposure significantly increases risks of digestive diseases in two large cohorts, independent of genetic susceptibility and mediated by biological aging acceleration. It also accelerates progression from digestive disease to death, leading to severe outcomes and higher surgical need. Our findings help the identification of high-risk individuals and highlight the importance of preventing tobacco exposure during early life to mitigate digestive disease risk and mortality, and associated surgical burden.