Thus, TNF-α, and IL-10 release were significantly reduced by dexamethasone (with average suppression of 56 % and 68 % respectively, p <0.05; Fig. 4a) whereas IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 were not significantly suppressed in any of the NTHi-infected macrophages, irrespective of having COPD (p >0.05, Fig. 4b). This evidence concerns the gene TNF and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.