Macrophages are known to secrete the cytokines interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as leukotriene B4 (LTB4), all found to be increased in COPD patients (Keatings et al., 1996). This evidence concerns the gene CXCL8 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.