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African ancestry, lung function and the effect of genetics
Ana Maria B Menezes1, Fernando C Wehrmeister2, Fernando P Hartwig2
1Post-graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil anamene@terra.com.br.
The European Respiratory Journal
|February 21, 2015
Summary
African ancestry is linked to reduced lung function, specifically lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). This association persists after accounting for height and other factors, though residual confounding is possible.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Anthropology
Background:
- Lung function disparities exist between African-Americans and European-Americans.
- Genetic and environmental factors influence lung capacity.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of African genetic ancestry on lung function.
- To differentiate genetic contributions from other variables affecting lung capacity.
- To analyze lung function in a Brazilian cohort from birth to 30 years.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study in Brazil (n=2869).
- Genomic analysis for African ancestry assessment.
- Spirometry to measure forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
- Anthropometric measurements including height and thorax circumference.
Main Results:
- Higher African ancestry was associated with significantly lower FEV1 and FVC in both males and females.
- These associations remained after adjusting for height, sitting-to-standing height ratio, and other confounders.
- While ancestry remained significant, residual confounding cannot be excluded, particularly in males.
Conclusions:
- African genetic ancestry is independently associated with reduced lung function.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering ancestry in pulmonary health assessments.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of residual confounding factors.
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