Genetics of Environmental Lung Disease

Abstract

The development of environmental lung disease represents a classical interaction between exposures throughout one's life and inherent risks of developing lung disease. Some individuals appear to be particularly susceptible while others are more resistant to the effects of inhaled toxins. This article reviews some basic issues of study design, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. In addition, we present what is known about the genetics of asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis, and emphasize the importance of investigating the genetics of these diseases in the context of known environmental exposures.

Key Words:

Environmental lung disease - genetics - asthma - COPD - pulmonary fibrosis - gene-environment interactions