Researchers identified a panel of genes that are active in smokers and ex-smokers who experience faster loss of lung function over time, according to a research study published in the journal Thorax. These genes, researchers say, could be useful to predict which people are most at risk for declining lung function due to smoking.
In the study, researchers tested airway brushings from 134 people who were current or former smokers. They found changes in the activity of specific genes in the people that went on to have more rapid worsening of their lung function several years after that initial airway brushing. Some of the genes were more active in the people who rapidly lost lung function while other genes were less active in these people.
The researchers suggest further study of these genes may provide clues as to what causes rapid lung function decline which could be used to develop to new treatments for preventing the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study was funded by NHLBI.