Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function (Publications)
Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for est
Long-term air pollution exposure and diabetes in a population-based Swiss cohort (Publications)
Air pollution is an important risk factor for global burden of disease. There has been recent interest in its possible role in the etiology of diabetes mellitus. Experimental evidence is suggestive, b
Modifying effect of a common polymorphism in the interleukin-6 promoter on the relationship between long-term exposure to traffic-related particulate... (Publications)
BACKGROUND: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been associated with an increase in many inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL6). Air pollution exposure has also been suggested to indu
Rhinitis in Swiss adults is associated with asthma and early life factors, but not second hand tobacco smoke or obesity (Publications)
BACKGROUND: Second hand tobacco smoke (SHS) and overweight/obesity are risk factors for asthma and lower airway respiratory symptoms. We investigated whether SHS or overweight/obesity were also associ
Prevalence of atopy and respiratory allergic diseases in the elderly SAPALDIA population (Publications)
Background: Because of changing world demographics, the elderly population is steadily increasing. Few studies have assessed the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases in elderly persons with objec
Circulating alpha1-antitrypsin in the general population: determinants and association with lung function (Publications)
BACKGROUND: Severe alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency associated with low AAT blood concentrations is an established genetic COPD risk factor. Less is known about the respiratory health impact of var
