A new study finds individuals with higher genetic risk for COPD show lower lung function starting in childhood.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Genetic Influence on Lung Function: The study published in eClinical Medicine found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit lower lung function starting from childhood, suggesting that genetic factors play a crucial role in lung health from an early age.
- Polygenic Risk Score Utilization: Researchers utilized a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on genetic variants associated with COPD to assess its impact on lung function across different age groups, from preschool children to adults, confirming a consistent association between higher PRS and reduced lung function.
- Implications for Early Prevention: Researchers say the findings support the need for early intervention and preventive measures throughout life.
A new study has found that a higher genetic risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with lower lung function from childhood onwards.
The aim of the study, supported by CADSET, a Clinical Research Collaboration of the European Respiratory Society, and published in eClinical Medicine, was to evaluate the contribution of genetic factors of COPD to lung function across the lifespan by assessing whether a weighted polygenic risk score for airflow limitation was associated with lower lung function in different age groups.
The researchers calculated and internally validated a polygenic risk score in independent studies based on genetic variants previously associated with COPD in adults, defined as airflow limitation, by the largest genome-wide association study published to date.
They then evaluated the association of this polygenic risk score with spirometry indices from preschool age to adulthood.
Overall, the study strongly supports previous suggestions of considering the mechanisms underlying COPD pathophysiology operating across the entire life course. Researchers say this has important implications for preventing the development of COPD as early in life as possible.
ID 115540970 © Vchalup | Dreamstime.com
