Genetically Predicted Body Mass Index and Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Published in: American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine Vol. 210; no. 7; pp. 890 - 899
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jingzhou, Moll, Matthew, Hobbs, Brian D., Bakke, Per, Regan, Elizabeth A., Xu, Hanfei, Dupuis, Josée, Chiles, Joe W., McDonald, Merry-Lynn N., Divo, Miguel J., Silverman, Edwin K., Celli, Bartolome R., O’Connor, George T., Cho, Michael H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York American Thoracic Society 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Body mass index; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Genetics; Medical prognosis; Mortality
• ISSN: 1073-449X; 1535-4970; 1535-4970
• DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202308-1384OC

Genetically predicted body mass index (BMI) is associated with mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations of genetically predicted BMI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in COPD. A polygenic score (PGS) for BMI was developed and tested for associations with mortality in participants with COPD from multiple cohorts. The results showed that a higher genetically predicted BMI was associated with higher cardiovascular mortality but not respiratory mortality in individuals with COPD. Additionally, individuals with a discordantly low BMI had higher risks for all-cause and respiratory mortality compared to those with a concordant BMI. These findings suggest that genetic factors separate from those associated with BMI in the general population, as well as non-genetic factors, contribute to the association between low measured BMI and increased mortality in COPD. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential interventions targeting BMI in COPD.