Analysis of the Relationship Between CHRNA3/5 and EPHX1 Polymorphisms to Tobacco Intake and Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex condition influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Among the genetic determinants, polymorphisms in the CHRNA3/5 and EPHX1 genes have been implicated in nicotine dependence and susceptibility to COPD in several populations. However, evidence remains limited in admixed populations such as Brazilians.

Methods

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between CHRNA3 (rs1051730, rs8034191) and EPHX1 (rs2234922) polymorphisms with tobacco nicotine dependence and COPD in a Brazilian cohort. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan® SNP assays, and pulmonary function was assessed via spirometry according to ATS/ERS standards. Associations between genetic variants, tobacco intake, and COPD status were evaluated using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Post hoc power analyses were conducted to estimate detectable effect sizes.

Results

A total of 123 active or former smokers were analyzed. The CHRNA3 variants (rs1051730 and rs8034191) showed a trend toward higher prevalence among individuals with heavy tobacco intake (>40 pack-years), though no significant allelic or genotypic differences were found between COPD and control groups (p > 0.05). The EPHX1 rs2234922 A allele was significantly more frequent in COPD patients, suggesting increased disease risk (p < 0.05), while the GG genotype appeared protective. Post hoc power analyses indicated moderate power (≈0.56-0.63) for the observed associations.

Conclusions

In this Brazilian population, the CHRNA3/5 polymorphisms may influence nicotine dependence, while EPHX1 rs2234922 appears to be associated with COPD susceptibility. These findings support a potential genetic contribution to disease risk and tobacco nicotine dependence, warranting further large-scale studies to confirm these associations and explore their therapeutic implications.