Ethnic differences in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: The Japanese perspective

Epidemiologic data suggest that there are ethnic differences between Japanese and other populations with regard to the important clinical aspects of interstitial lung disease (ILD), such as the cause of death and prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Acute exacerbation (AE) of IPF may be more common in Japan than in the rest of the world, although this suggestion remains controversial. Moreover, AE of ILD induced by gefitinib may also be more common in Japan, indicating that Japanese patients have a genetic vulnerability or susceptibility to AE. Recent large-scale studies are starting to reveal ethnic differences in the genetics of ILD, including the prevalence of the genetic polymorphisms associated with the clinical course of ILD. We anticipate that ongoing and upcoming research regarding ethnic differences will continue to provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis and management of ILD.