Alpha 1 antitrypsin phenotypes and obstructive airway disease in subjects over 65 years of age: QUID R cohort.

摘要

Airflow obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are major worldwide causes of morbidity [1]. Aetiology of COPD results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors [2]. The main genetic risk factor for COPD is alphal antitrypsin deficiency. The normal genotype of protease inhibitors (PIs) is M and the classic severe respiratory deficiency is associated with the Pi Z genotype. However, the role of Pi S allele in COPD remains unclear [3], regarding in particular the interaction between this phenotype and environmental factors on the one hand, and respiratory ageing on the other hand. To our knowledge, the relationship between Pi genotype and COPD has been studied in the adult population, but not in older persons who have been exposed throughout their lives to smoking, and other environmental exposures.