Abstract
Clinical studies suggest that bronchial obstruction and emphysema increase susceptibility to lung cancer. We assess the possibility of a common genetic origin and investigate whether the lung cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 5p15.33 increases the risk for bronchial obstruction and emphysema.
Three variants in the 5p15.33 locus encompassing the TERT and CLPTM1L genes were genotyped in 777 heavy smokers and 212 lung cancer patients. Participants underwent pulmonary function tests and computed tomography (CT) of the chest, and took questionnaires assessing smoking behaviour.
The rs31489 C-allele correlated with reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; P=0.006). Homozygous carriers of the rs31489 C-allele exhibited increased susceptibility to bronchial obstruction with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24-2.69; P=0.002). A similar association was noticed for lung diffusing capacity (DLCO; P=0.004). Consistent herewith, CC-carriers had an increased risk of emphysema (OR=2.04; CI=1.41-2.94; P=1.73×10-4) and displayed more alveolar destruction. Finally, CC-carriers also had an increased risk for lung cancer (OR=1.90; CI=1.21-2.99; P=0.005) and were more susceptible to develop both lung cancer and bronchial obstruction than lung cancer alone (OR=2.11; CI=1.04-4.26; P=0.038).
The rs31489 variant on 5p15.33 is associated with bronchial obstruction, the presence and severity of emphysema and lung cancer.
- © 2011 ERS
