Raised levels of acute phase proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 were found in circulation of stable COPD patients [3,6] and have been shown to be associated with impaired functional capacity [7], reduced daily physical activity [8] and decreased health status [5,7,9]. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.