Factors that lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
facilitated by
Genetic factors
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT)
encoded by
SERPINA1 gene
which is a
gene that protects the alveoli of the lung
causes
major plasma inhibitor for enzyme leukocyte elastase
located in
azurophil granules of neutrophils
Variant causes
Homozygosity (inherited 2 identical forms of the gene) for SERPINA1 *Z allele (inherited 2 identical forms of the gene)
affects
Coding region
single base pair change of SERPINA1 gene
results in
substitution of a single amino acid that causes AAT polymers (proteins) to form in the hepatocytes
Coding variant in the genes of telomerase (telomere enzyme) pathway
that causes a
Genetic mutation
leads to
Telomere shortening
in which
telomere are important for genetic information and is required for every cell division process)
which increases the risk of
Increase risk of
Lifestyle
Smoking
induces
activation of macrophages
activation of neutrophils
excess production of proteases
Breakdown of connective tissue in lungs (Emphysema)
increase level of cytokines
causes
inflammation of the lungs
releases
harmful oxidant fumes
air pollution
can contribute to
global warming
promotes
Working in the construction industry
Exposure to large amount of dust
Causes
Damage in alveoli
weakened/loss of lung function
decrease overall human health
Poor diet
Low intake of fruits and vegetables
results in
less source of anti-inflammatory dietary components
that also
reduces levels of antioxidants
contributes to the
that can fight off
High intake of processed red meat
increases risk factors
Environmental factors
Extreme weather changes
causes
Increases and decreases in temperature
result in
Huge spikes of heat patterns and intense heat exposure
leads to