Moreover, with regard to its properties, Ir-LBP could possibly be used as a therapeutic tool for illnesses associated with an increase of the production of LTB4, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This evidence concerns the gene LBP and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.