Understanding the causes of low lung function between childhood and early adulthood

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. People with lower lung function from childhood to adulthood are at much greater risk of developing the disease later in life.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) has tracked lung function among participants at ages 8, 15, 24 and 30. Like other studies, it found that many factors in early life were linked with poorer lung function over time (lung function trajectory), including:

• Low birth weight
• Being born prematurely
• Childhood wheezing
• Asthma
• Hay fever
• Eczema
• Allergies

So far, studies have only shown that these factors and lower lung function trajectories could be connected. However, research has not been able to prove that they directly cause such patterns.

Genetic data in ALSPAC can help us understand which of these factors cause lower lung function over time. This is important because if we can prevent or treat these risk factors, we may be able to improve low lung function trajectories and prevent COPD.

Project aims

This study will use a genetic technique called Mendelian randomisation to investigate whether early-life factors cause lower lung function trajectories.

Mendelian randomisation is a research method that uses naturally occurring genetic differences to help understand whether a risk factor, such as obesity or smoking, causes a health outcome rather than just being linked to it.

What we hope to achieve

Understanding whether early-life characteristics cause lower patterns of lung function between childhood and early adulthood will enable us to prioritise early prevention strategies for COPD.

Dr Jack Grenville will be leading this project with Professor James Dodd, Dr Grace Power, Dr Rebecca Richmond, and Dr Paul Yousefi providing supervision.