Abstract
AAT levels were compared across race/ethnicity by linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, study site, batch, smoking exposure and principal components (PCs) of ancestry. AAT levels were analyzed with respect to selected markers of inflammation and endothelial activation (CRP, IL-6, TNF-a, sICAM-1, E-selectin, CD40 ligand, HGF, and VCAM-1) by linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, study site, batch and PCs of ancestry. Genetic association analyses were conducted for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three gene regions (MAN1C1, MAN2B1 and SERPINA1) previously associated with emphysema on computed tomography (CT) under an additive 1 d.f. model by combined meta-analysis across race/ethnic groups, with additional sensitivity analyses stratified by race/ethnic group.