The results of this analysis support the findings of previous reports, as serological concentrations of fragments of collagen and elastin were higher in patients with various clinical manifestations of COPD, and particularly the association between EL-NE is promising, as it could indicate that this biomarker has a potential to aid in a non-invasive, inexpensive method of emphysema diagnosis. The gene discussed is ELN; the disease is pulmonary emphysema.