Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
08:17
Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
Current thinking on genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1Otsuka Maryland Research Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA. nestorm@otsuka.com
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|January 27, 2007
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). New methods and genome-wide studies are improving the identification of genetic susceptibility, moving beyond alpha-1 antitrypsin. Epigenetics also plays a role.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Growing evidence implicates genetic factors in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions in COPD.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is the only established genetic cause of COPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on genetic susceptibility in COPD.
- To discuss novel methods for detecting genetic predisposition to COPD.
- To explore the interplay between environmental factors and genetic code in COPD.
Main Methods:
- Review of candidate gene association studies.
- Exploration of new genetic detection methodologies.
- Consideration of epigenetic influences.
Main Results:
- Candidate gene studies have identified potential COPD-related genes, but replication remains a challenge.
- Advancements in genetic detection methods are emerging.
- Understanding the limitations of current genetic association studies is a key step forward.
Conclusions:
- Candidate gene studies for COPD require cautious interpretation due to reproducibility issues.
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) present a promising approach for identifying COPD susceptibility genes.
- Integrating epigenetic factors with genetic findings is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of COPD pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...