Do loci identified by genome-wide association studies influence different disease-related phenotypes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
The CHRNA3/5 locus was associated with increased smoking intensity and emphysema in individuals with COPD, whereas the HHIP and FAM13A loci were not associated with smoking intensity. The HHIP locus was associated with the systemic components of COPD and with the frequency of COPD exacerbations. FAM13A locus was associated with lung function.
Systemic NO augmentation can lower the functional bladder outlet resistance very rapidly in men. Our results support the concept that the NO-cGMP pathway may be a promising target for medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms.