Nuclear localisation of the NF-κB(p65) subunit has been recorded in sputum macrophages of COPD patients during exacerbations, but not in sputum neutrophils [10] and Di Stefano et al (2002) have also shown that the nuclear expression of NF-κB(p65) is increased in bronchial biopsies from COPD patients [11]. This evidence concerns the gene NFKB1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.