Furthermore, our analysis provides the first set of COPD co-morbidity candidate biomarkers, including IL15, TNF and JUP, and characterizes their association to aging and life-style conditions, such as smoking and physical activity.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The developed framework provides novel insights in COPD and especially COPD co-morbidity associated mechanisms. This evidence concerns the gene TNF and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.