Examining the Genetic Factors That May Cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Examining the Genetic Factors That May Cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disease that is often caused
 by cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether certain genetic
 factors predispose some smokers to develop COPD more than others.
COPD is a disease in which the lung airways are damaged and partly obstructed, making it
 difficult to breathe. Millions of people in the United States have COPD, and it is the third
 leading cause of death in the United States. Symptoms include coughing, excess mucus
 production, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Emphysema and long-term
 bronchitis are the two most common manifestations of the disease. The most common risk factor
 for developing COPD is cigarette smoking; however, only 15% to 20% of smokers develop COPD in
 their lifetimes. It is not known why some smokers develop COPD and some do not, but certain
 genetic factors, combined with exposure to cigarette smoke, may increase the likelihood of
 developing COPD. This study will analyze DNA from current and former cigarette smokers to
 identify genetic factors and markers that may indicate a predisposition to developing COPD.

 This study will enroll African-American and white cigarette smokers and former cigarette
 smokers both with and without COPD. Participants will attend one study visit during which
 they will complete questionnaires about lung symptoms, breathing difficulties, medical and
 family history, and quality of life. They will also undergo blood collection, a physical
 exam, lung function testing, and a walking test to measure endurance. Participants will
 undergo a high resolution computed tomography (CT) chest scan and a medical record review.
 Study researchers will contact participants up to four times a year for 10 years to collect
 follow-up medical information. Five-year and ten-year follow-up visits including a similar
 study protocol as the baseline visit will be performed on all available subjects.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  At least 10 pack-years of cigarette smoking (although a of nonsmoking controls is also
 being enrolled)

 -  Self-designation of non-Hispanic white or African-American

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Other lung diseases (except for asthma in participants with COPD)

 -  Pregnant

 -  Cancer (other than skin cancer) in the 5 years prior to study entry

 -  Received antibiotics for a COPD exacerbation in the 1 month prior to study entry

 -  First- or second-degree relative of a previously enrolled study participant