Chronic Lung Disease Study Although studies (some from Beijing, China) suggest a relationship between particulate air pollution and increased COPD mortality and morbidity, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The primary objective of this study is to assess the role of candidate genes in pulmonary parameters in a selected group of adults in a populous district in central Beijing. We will assess the role of smoking, candidate genes, and physiologic changes in pulmonary function that may be important markers of COPD.

Both COPD cases and controls were recruited between 2001 and 2002 as part of a general COPD epidemiology study by Beijing Chao Yang Hospital. Cases were newly diagnosed COPD patients who were confirmed using a panel of tests, including pulmonary-function tests (respiratory, lung volumes, DLCO), pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, chest x-ray, HRCT, and skin-prick testing with common antigens. Healthy controls were identified on annual medical exams and living in the same neighborhood as cases, who had normal function and no symptoms (no pulmonary or cardiovascular disease diagnosis or history), and were matched with cases individually by age (± 2 years), gender, and district.

Cardiac Effects Study Although studies (some from Beijing, China) suggested the relationship between particulate air pollution and increased cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Why an increased cardiovascular mortality is associated with PM is unclear. In Beijing PM air pollution, cardiovascular disease and COPD are rising. The primary objective of this study is to assess the role of particulate air pollution and changes in cardiovascular parameters in a selected group of adults in Beijing. We will assess the role of PM and the contribution of underlying chronic lung disease, and to physiologic changes in heart function that may be important markers of cardiovascular dysfunction.