In vitro studies have shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokines GM-CSF, IL-8 and IL-6 inhibit apoptosis of granulocytes [38-41] and therefore the observed increase in IL-6 and IL-8 in COPD subjects compared to non-smokers may account for the reduced neutrophil apoptosis in COPD subjects. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.