Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
In Utero and Early-Life Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, Genetic Risk, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Incidence
Yao Deng1, Xuyang Geng1, Zefang Lin1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
Introduction:
This study aimed to evaluate whether in utero and early-life tobacco exposure and genetic factors jointly contribute to incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods:
A total of 412 050 participants without COPD at baseline were included. We assessed the associations of in utero tobacco exposure, age of smoking initiation, and their interactions with joint COPD polygenic risk scores (PRSs) with COPD risk using Poisson regression models.
Results:
Participants with in utero tobacco exposure exhibited a higher risk of COPD (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.29; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.25 to 1.33) compared to participants without in utero tobacco exposure. Compared with nonsmokers, the aRRs (95% CIs) of COPD risk for smoking initiation during adulthood, adolescence, and childhood were 4.23 (4.05 to 4.42), 5.17 (4.95 to 5.38), and 7.01 (6.68 to 7.36), respectively (ptrend < .001). Significant interactions were observed between in utero tobacco exposure, age of smoking initiation, and the genetic risk. Participants with both in utero tobacco exposure and smoking initiation during childhood had the highest risk of COPD (aRR, 9.04, 95% CI: 8.44 to 9.69; pmult = .006, padd < .001) compared to nonsmokers without in utero tobacco exposure. Furthermore, compared to non-smokers with low genetic risk, individuals with high genetic risk and childhood smoking initiation exhibited the greatest risk of COPD (aRR, 8.29, 95% CI, 7.65 to 8.99; padd < .001).
Conclusions:
Exposure to tobacco smoke in utero and during early life significantly increased the risk of COPD in adulthood, irrespective of genetic predisposition. These findings underscore the importance of early-life smoking prevention to mitigate the risk of developing COPD in adulthood.
Implications:
In utero tobacco exposure increased offspring COPD risk in middle and old age. Regardless of genetic background, early tobacco exposure elevates the risk of COPD. Findings are derived from a large prospective cohort study and a representative database survey.
Related Concept Videos
08:17Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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...
02:34Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation