A University of Iowa study on lung disease seeks current and former smokers ages 45 to 80 who are non-Hispanic white or African-American. The study aims to look for genetic differences and learn why some smokers develop Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and others do not. COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

People who have a respiratory disorder other than COPD or who already have a close relative in the study are not eligible to participate. In addition, pregnant women are not eligible for the study.

Participation involves one visit to UI Hospitals and Clinics. The visit will last three to four hours and include a breathing test, questionnaires, blood samples and a chest CT scan.

Approximately 6,000 people with COPD and 4,500 current or former smokers without COPD will participate in the study nationwide. The principal investigator for the UI site is Geoffrey McLennan, M.D., UI professor of internal medicine.

For more information contact Angela Delsing or Sara Kraus, 319-356-1810 or Kimberly Sprenger, kimberly-sprenger@uiowa.edu.

For more information visit http://www.COPDgene.org.