Lung function, genetics and socioeconomic conditions.

It has long been known [1] that, when comparing subjects of the same age and height, African ancestry is associated with 12–20% smaller forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) than European ancestry. Both smaller and larger differences have been reported in studies of other ethnic groups. This has led to numerous efforts to explain the underlying reason for these ethnic differences. In this issue of the European Respiratory Journal, MENEZES et al. [2] present the results of a detailed and carefully conducted study that significantly advances our understanding. Because of the complexity of the problem and the large number of relevant publications, the references below are inevitably selective.