This finding was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis and is in line with previous studies showing that α-defensin concentrations are increased in individuals with AATD [23] and that patients with AATD have a milieu where high concentrations of α-defensins and low amounts of AAT potentiate the impact of α-defensins on lung injury [24,25]. This evidence concerns the gene SERPINA1 and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.