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. 2003 Jul;58(7):623–628. doi: 10.1136/thorax.58.7.623

Association of CYP2A6 deletion polymorphism with smoking habit and development of pulmonary emphysema

N Minematsu 1, H Nakamura 1, M Iwata 1, H Tateno 1, T Nakajima 1, S Takahashi 1, S Fujishima 1, K Yamaguchi 1
PMCID: PMC1746722  PMID: 12832682

Abstract

Methods: 203 current or ex-smokers (lifelong cigarette consumption (CC) ≥10 pack years) with subclinical and established COPD phenotypes were clinically evaluated and pulmonary function tests and a chest CT scan were performed (smoker group). The non-smoker group consisted of 123 healthy volunteers. CYP2A6 genotypes were determined in both groups.

Results: The percentage of subjects with a CYP2A6del allele (genotype D) was lower in heavy smokers (20.5%, n=88, CC &ge;60 pack years) than in light smokers (37.4%, n=115, CC 10–59 pack years, χ2=6.8, p=0.01) or non-smokers (36.1%, n=122, χ2=6.0, p=0.01); lower in ex-smokers (20.7%, n=111) than in current smokers (41.3%, n=92, χ2=10.1, p<0.01); and lower in smokers with a high LAA (low attenuation area) score on the chest CT scan (18.4%, n=76, LAA &ge;8.0) than in those with a low LAA score (37.0%, n=127, LAA <8.0, χ2=7.8, p<0.01).

Conclusions: Subjects with the CYP2A6del allele tend not to be heavy habitual smokers but can be light habitual smokers. The CYP2A6del polymorphism may inhibit smokers from giving up smoking, but appears to function as a protective factor against the development of pulmonary emphysema independent of smoking habit.

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