When those with CB (healthy smokers and COPD subjects included, n = 12) were compared to those without CB (in all 3 groups combined, n = 26), the CB group had greater goblet cell density (8.55±3.41 vs. 5.46±4.16 cells/mm, p = .036) but not mucin volume density (19.89±14.59 vs. 14.17±12.65 μL/mm2, p = .238). The gene discussed is MUC5AC; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.