We demonstrate that lung explants obtained from COPD patients classified with mild to moderate airflow obstruction (GOLD I and II) release elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6 and CXCL8 in response to LPS but failed to mount an appropriate anti-inflammatory IL-10 response when compared to normal lung tissue. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.