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Published on: April 14, 2010
Familial aggregation of bronchodilator response: a community-based study
1Program of Population Genetics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|November 9, 2000
Summary
Bronchodilator response (BDR) shows familial aggregation in Chinese families with asthma. Genetic factors likely play a role in BDR, influencing how individuals respond to asthma medications.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bronchodilator response (BDR) is a key indicator in asthma management.
- Understanding the factors influencing BDR, including genetics, is crucial for personalized treatment.
- Familial aggregation studies can help elucidate the role of genetic versus environmental influences on respiratory traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial aggregation of bronchodilator response (BDR) in a Chinese population.
- To explore the potential role of genetic factors in determining BDR.
- To assess the correlation of BDR among family members in households with asthma.
Main Methods:
- A study of 4,946 subjects from 1,161 index families with asthma in rural China.
- BDR was measured as the percentage change in FEV(1) after albuterol administration.
- Adjusted BDR values were analyzed for correlations between various family pairs (parents-offspring, sibling-sibling).
Main Results:
- Significant correlations in adjusted BDR were found for father-first offspring, mother-first offspring, mother-subsequent offspring, and first-subsequent offspring pairs.
- A modest degree of familial clustering for BDR was observed, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.088 to 0.165.
- Subsequent offspring with mothers and first offspring having above-median BDR showed a higher odds ratio (3.10) for familial aggregation.
Conclusions:
- The study supports significant familial aggregation of BDR in this Chinese population.
- These findings suggest a notable contribution of genetic factors to individual differences in BDR.
- Further research into the genetic basis of BDR is warranted.
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