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Prenatal and postnatal genetic influence on lung function development

Eskil Kreiner-Møller1, Hans Bisgaard1, Klaus Bønnelykke1

  • 1COPSAC, the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and the Danish Pediatric Asthma Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|May 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variants for adult lung function influence childhood lung development, not initial lung function. This suggests potential for early interventions targeting genetic mechanisms in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Genetics
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • The impact of adult lung function genes on early lung development is not well understood.
  • Investigating genetic predispositions from birth through childhood is crucial for understanding respiratory health trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between genetic variants related to adult lung function and lung function in newborns and its development up to age 7.
  • To identify genetic influences on respiratory health during early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed spirometry and bronchial responsiveness in 411 high-risk newborns and repeated at age 7.
  • Calculated genetic risk scores based on adult lung function SNPs (e.g., FEV1/FVC ratio, FEV1).
  • Analyzed genetic risk scores against lung function measures (FEV0.5, FEF50, PD15/PD20) at birth, age 7, and their developmental changes.

Main Results:

  • Genetic risk scores did not correlate with neonatal lung function or responsiveness.
  • The FEV1/FVC genetic risk score was linked to reduced FEF50 at age 7 and diminished FEF50 growth from birth to age 7.
  • This score also correlated with increased bronchial responsiveness (reduced PD20) at age 7 and changes in responsiveness over time.

Conclusions:

  • Adult lung function genes do not affect neonatal lung function but are associated with its development in early childhood.
  • Findings suggest a critical window for interventions targeting genetic factors in childhood lung development.
  • Genetic insights offer potential for personalized strategies to improve long-term respiratory health.
Abstract

Keywords:
Childasthmageneticsrespiratory function tests

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