US researchers have identified a link between the gene Adam33 and the development of COPD in long term smokers.

Adam33 is a gene which has been linked to other lung diseases in previous studies.

The genes of 800 long term smokers with COPD were compared to the genes of a control group of long term smokers who had not developed COPD. Variations in sequence of the Adam33 gene were found in those who had COPD yet not in the the smokers who didn’t have COPD.

"We already know that some smokers are more susceptible to developing lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" says Dr Keith Prowse, BLF Spokesperson.

‘This research is very interesting because it has identified a singular gene associated with a predisposition to COPD. Further research should identify other genes which increase susceptibility to smoking damage as well as the known environmental factors that may lead to COPD. However, the most important way people can protect themselves against developing lung diseases like COPD is to never start smoking