Accordingly, elevated circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) among other inflammatory markers [7], such as plasma and sputum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-(TIMP)-1 levels have been reported, suggesting their participation in the pathogenesis of COPD secondary to TS [8-11]. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.