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Heritability of longitudinal change in lung function. The Framingham study
D J Gottlieb1, J B Wilk, M Harmon
1Research Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Department of Medicine and Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. dgottlieb@lung.bumc.bu.edu
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|November 24, 2001
Summary
Genetic factors modestly influence lung function decline rate in adults. Smoking status significantly impacts heritability estimates for lung function changes, highlighting gene-environment interactions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies focused on lung function heritability cross-sectionally.
- Heritability of lung function decline rate remained largely unexplored.
- Understanding genetic contributions to lung function changes is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heritability of the rate of change in lung function.
- To assess the influence of genetic factors and smoking on lung function decline.
- To explore potential gene-environment interactions in lung function trajectory.
Main Methods:
- Utilized spirometric data from two time points in Framingham Heart Study participants.
- Calculated annualized rate of change for FEV(1), FVC, and FEV(1)/FVC ratio.
- Employed variance components analysis to estimate heritability, adjusting for covariates and smoking status.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for lung function change were modest (FEV(1): 0.05, FVC: 0.18, Ratio: 0.13).
- Heritability estimates increased significantly when analyzing subjects concordant for smoking status.
- Heritability for interim smokers: FEV(1) 0.18, FVC 0.39, Ratio 0.14.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors contribute modestly to the population variance in lung function decline rate.
- Gene-environment interactions, particularly with smoking, play a significant role in lung function changes.
- Findings emphasize the complex interplay of genetics and environment in respiratory health.
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