α₁-Antitrypsin protease inhibitor MZ heterozygosity is associated with airflow obstruction in two large cohorts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe α₁-antitrypsin deficiency is a known genetic risk factor for COPD. Heterozygous (protease inhibitor [PI] MZ) individuals have moderately reduced serum levels of α₁-antitrypsin, but whether they have an increased risk of COPD is uncertain.

Methods

We compared PI MZ and PI MM individuals in two large populations: a case-control study from Norway (n = 1,669) and a multicenter family-based study from Europe and North America (n = 2,707). We sought to determine whether PI MZ was associated with the specific COPD-related phenotypes of lung function and quantitative CT scan measurements of emphysema and airway disease.

Results

PI MZ was associated with a 3.5% lower FEV₁/FVC ratio in the case-control study (P = .035) and 3.9% lower FEV₁/vital capacity (VC) r

SUBMITTER: Sorheim IC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2972629 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature