The z-allele within the SERPINA1 gene was associated with a lower %predicted FEV1 in cases (unadjusted analysis: pdiscovery=2.83×10−5); as well as being a well-established cause of AAT deficiency,3, 4 this SNP has also previously been associated with an increased annual decline in FEV1 in a general population sample31 and increased airflow limitation in COPD cases.32 In the present study, the z-allele was associated with an increased risk of COPD, although this was not statistically significant (OR: 1.27, p=0.252). This evidence concerns the gene SERPINA1 and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.