A new study from Brigham and Womens Hospital BWH reveals several new gene variants that are associated with how people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD respond to inhaled bronchodilators. COPD is a progressive breathing disorder that limits airflow in the lungs. Bronchodilators are medicines used to alleviate respiratory disorder symptoms. The abstract for this meta-analysis study will be presented at the American Society of Human Genetics 2013 meeting, Oct. 22 to 26 in Boston.
One of the research goals was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs associated with bronchodilator responsiveness BDR.
“Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with bronchodilator responsiveness may reveal genetic pathways associated with the pathogenesis of COPD and may identify novel treatment methods,” said Megan Hardin, MD, BWH Channing Division of Network Medicine, lead study author.
The researchers used statistical methods to combine results from 5,789 Caucasian patients with moderate to severe COPD from four individual studies. The genotypes of over 700 African Americans with COPD were also analyzed.
more Genetic variants associated with bronchodilator responsiveness | e! Science News.
Don't Forget To Breathe 