Detection of Janus kinase 2 V617F mutation in healthy cigarette smokers

Background: Janus kinases are cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases that mediate signaling from the cytokine receptors to the cell nucleus. Janus kinase 2 mutation (JAK2 V617F) analysis has been endorsed by the WHO for diagnosing polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess JAK2 V617F point mutation in healthy cigarette smokers compared with healthy nonsmokers and to correlate the presence of this mutation with some clinical and laboratory variables. Materials and methods: Group I comprised 34 cigarette smokers who have been smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day, every day of the week, for at least 10 consecutive years. Group II comprised 42 men who were nonsmokers with no history of drug abuse. In addition to routine laboratory investigations, detection of JAK2 V617F point mutation in peripheral blood neutrophils was assessed for all participants. Results: In this study, we found an increased percentage of JAK2 V617F mutation in cigarette smokers compared with nonsmokers. Further, we found a significant positive correlation between the percentage of JAK2 V617F mutation and age in both groups. Conclusion: JAK2 V617F mutation has been detected in the healthy population; however, its incidence significantly increases in cigarette smokers. The mechanisms leading to excess JAK2 mutation and the importance of this mutation in smokers are yet to be elucidated and an adequate follow-up of healthy individuals who carry the mutation is recommended.