Telomere length, COPD and emphysema as risk factors for lung cancer

[摘要] ExtractTelomeres are DNAxe2x80x93protein structures that protect chromosome ends from degradation and shorten progressively with each cell division [1].Telomere length measured in peripheral leukocytes has been used to determine an individual's xe2x80x9cbiological agexe2x80x9d; and previous reports have demonstrated that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or emphysema have shorter peripheral leukocyte telomere length [2xe2x80x935]. The presence of COPD and emphysema are independent risk factors for the ultimate development of lung cancer [6; 7].

[学科分类] 呼吸医学