Genetic analysis of sporadic and familial interstitial pneumonia.
Although much progress has been made in understanding the biology and clinical course of interstitial pneumonia, the etiology of this disease remains elusive. Epidemiologic studies have consistently identified cigarette smoke as an important exposure; however, most smokers do not develop interstitial pneumonia and many individuals with interstitial pneumonia do not smoke cigarettes. Moreover, interstitial pneumonias have been reported to cluster in families. Thus, a more thorough understanding of the genetic etiology of interstitial pneumonia may prove critically important in defining the biology and clinical course of this complex human disease.
Schwartz
David A
DA
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. david.schwartz@niehs.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic