Effects of genetics and altitude on lung function

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to present a review on the impact of genetics and altitude on lung function from classic and recent studies.

DATA SOURCE

A systematic search has been carried out in different databases of scientific studies, using keywords related to lung volumes, spirometry, altitude and genetics.

RESULTS

The results of this work have been structured into three parts. First, the relationship between genes and lung function. Next, a review of the genetic predispositions related to respiratory adaptation of people who inhabit high-altitude regions for millennia. Finally, temporary effects and long-term acclimatisation on respiratory physiology at high altitude are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The works focused on the influence of genetics and altitude on lung function are currently of interest in terms of studying the interactions between genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors in the configuration of the pathophysiological adaptation patterns.

Smart Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Device for Body Composition Estimation

The purpose of this work is to describe a first approach to a smart bioimpedance spectroscopy device for its application to the estimation of body composition. The proposed device is capable of carrying out bioimpedance measurements in multiple configurable frequencies, processing the data to obtain the modulus and the bioimpedance phase in each of the frequencies, and transmitting the processed information wirelessly. Another novelty of this work is a new algorithm for the identification of Cole model parameters, which is the basis of body composition estimation through bioimpedance spectroscopy analysis. Against other proposals, the main advantages of the proposed method are its robustness against parasitic effects by employing an extended version of Cole model with phase delay and three dispersions, its simplicity and low computational load. The results obtained in a validation study with respiratory patients show the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed technology for bioimpedance measurements. The precision and validity of the algorithm was also proven in a validation study with peritoneal dialysis patients. The proposed method was the most accurate compared with other existing algorithms. Moreover, in those cases affected by parasitic effects the proposed algorithm provided better approximations to the bioimpedance values than a reference device.

Increased levels of soluble ICAM-1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and resistant smokers are related to active smoking

AIM

Serum ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) is known to be a smoking-associated inflammatory marker, but data in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lacking.

PATIENTS & METHODS

A total of 142 COPD cases (48 active smokers) and 55 controls (41 active smokers) were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The peripheral blood concentrations of sICAM-1, IL-8 (CXCL8), CRP and serum amyloid A (SAA) were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

CRP and SAA (log-scale) were elevated in the patients with COPD compared with the control subjects (p = 0.005 for CRP and p = 0.024 for SAA). sICAM-1 was associated with active smoking when corrected for age, gender, the presence of COPD, inhaled corticosteroid use, BMI and forced expiratory volume in 1 s as covariates.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms an association between sICAM-1 levels and active smoking in a group of COPD and non-COPD active smokers.