The C allele (rs2353397) of the human hedgehog interacting protein (HHIP) gene occurred more frequently in COPD patients (58%) than in the control subjects (29%) (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.66–2.81, p<0.0001, p(Bonferroni) <0.0001). This evidence concerns the gene HHIP and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.