PI SZ phenotype in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
BACKGROUND
A study was undertaken to clarify whether the PI SZ phenotype of the protease inhibitor system predisposes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


METHODS
The prevalence of PI Z and PI SZ deficient phenotypes was investigated in a population of 702 patients with COPD followed up at the Chest Unit of a tertiary hospital and in 15400 newborn infants from the same geographical area. Individuals with deficiency were detected by screening of dried blood spots on filter paper using a comparative electro-immunodiffusion technique for alpha 1-antitrypsin and transferrin. The serum phenotype was confirmed by means of isoelectrofocusing on polyacrylamide gel.


RESULTS
Of the 702 blood samples from patients with COPD, six PI Z subjects (0.85%) and one PI SZ (0.14%) were detected. Of the 15400 samples from neonates, the number of PI Z subjects was eight (0.052%) and that of PI SZ was 24 (0.156%). The difference between the two groups was significant for PI Z but not for PI SZ.


CONCLUSIONS
The data do not indicate an increased risk for development of COPD associated with the PI SZ phenotype but confirm the predisposition of PI Z individuals for the development of COPD.
Alvarez-Granda
L
L
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Valdecilia, Santander, Spain.
Cabero-Perez
M J
MJ
Bustamante-Ruiz
A
A
Gonzalez-Lamuño
D
D
Delgado-Rodriguez
M
M
García-Fuentes
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000032:analysis; D019896:alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
D014168:Transferrin; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin