IL6 and asthma: Pathobiologic parameters associated with a diagnosis of severe asthma were neutrophilic sputum; an increase in peripheral blood neutrophil counts; serum and sputum chitinase 3–like protein 1 (YKL-40) levels; sputum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, MMP3, MMP8, and MMP12 levels (P < .0001 each, Fig 1); vascular endothelial growth factor, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-6 soluble receptor levels; and a decrease in sputum macrophage counts and levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, fibroblast growth factor, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and IL-2.