Physiological and biological characterization of smokers with and without COPD.

ABSTRACT: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common inflammatory airway disease predominantly associated with cigarette smoking, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. According to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, spirometry is used to diagnose the disease. However, owing to its complexity, spirometry alone may not account for the multitude of COPD phenotypes or the early, asymptomatic lung damage seen in younger smokers. In addition, suitable biomarkers enabling early diagnosis, guiding treatment and estimating prognosis are still scarce, although large scale 'omics analyses have added to the spectrum of potential biomarkers that could be used for these purposes. The aim of the current study was to comprehensively profile patients with mild-to

SUBMITTER: Chaudhary N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5843826 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature