Circulating alpha1-antitrypsin in the general population: determinants and association with lung function
Oliver Senn1, Erich W Russi, Christian Schindler
1Molecular Epidemiology/Cancer Registry, Institutes of Social and Preventive Medicine & Clinical Pathology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland. oliver.senn@usz.ch
Respiratory Research
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels correlate with lung function (FEV1) in the general population. This association is influenced by smoking and inflammation, highlighting complex respiratory health interactions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a known COPD risk factor.
- The impact of general population AAT serum concentrations on respiratory health is less understood.
- This study investigates AAT levels and their association with FEV1 in a large adult cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine factors associated with circulating AAT concentrations.
- To determine the relationship between AAT levels and FEV1 in the general population.
- To explore how factors like gender, menopausal status, and smoking modify the AAT-FEV1 association.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 5187 adults from the Swiss SAPALDIA cohort.
- Measurement of serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP).
- Statistical analysis to identify correlates of AAT and its association with FEV1, with adjustments for CRP and other factors.
Main Results:
- Serum AAT levels correlated positively with female gender, hormone intake, blood pressure, age, and smoking; inversely with alcohol intake and BMI.
- An initial inverse association between AAT and FEV1 was observed but disappeared after CRP adjustment.
- The AAT-FEV1 relationship was significantly modified by gender, menopausal status, and smoking.
Conclusions:
- A complex interplay exists between tobacco exposure, gender, AAT levels, systemic inflammation, and lung function.
- Circulating AAT levels are influenced by various demographic and lifestyle factors.
- The association between AAT and lung function is modulated by inflammatory status and individual characteristics.
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