ADRB2 gene polymorphism and emphysema heterogeneity can modulate bronchodilator response in patients with emphysema.

Abstract

Genetic variation in the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene has been thought to have an important role in the differential response to β2-agonist therapy for asthma. However, previous studies have shown little evidence for an association between these ADRB2 variants and the bronchial dilator response (BDR) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This discrepancy could be explained by differences in the distribution and heterogeneity of pulmonary emphysema in COPD patients, since emphysema distribution and heterogeneity are thought to have a role in pulmonary function in COPD patients. We hypothesized that differences in emphysema distribution and heterogeneity may have masked significant alterations of the bronchodilator response among ADRB2 genotypes in COPD patients in previous studies.