Rare respiratory disease gene carriers actually have increased lung function

New research has revealed the healthy carriers of a gene that causes a rare respiratory disease are taller and larger than average, with greater respiratory capacity. The disease, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) can result in severely reduced lung capacity due to emphysema. It is found in about 1 in 2,000 people, and occurs when an individual inherits a defective gene copy from both parents.
Source: University of Bristol news - Category: Universities & Medical Training Tags: Health, Research; Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Social and Community Medicine, Institutes, Elizabeth Blackwell; Press Release Source Type: news