α1-Antitrypsin Protease Inhibitor MZ Heterozygosity Is Associated With Airflow Obstruction in Two Large Cohorts.

The article discusses a study to determine if those with heterozygous (protease inhibitor [PI] MZ) who have low serum levels of alpha1-antitrypsin are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It states that researchers compared those with PI MZ and PI MM, dividing them into two groups, a control group in Norway composed of 1,669 people, and 2,707 from the rest of Europe and North America. A technical discussion of the study parameters are described, concluding that PI MZ heterozygotes had less FEV1/(F)VC than those with PI MM.