MSCs significantly attenuated airway infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and IL-6, but significantly stimulated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and growth factors including VEGF, HGF, EGF, and TGF-β, suggesting MSC administration is an effective approach to treat COPD/emphysema in the animal models and hold promise of future application of MSC administration in COPD patients. The gene discussed is HGF; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.