Plasma sIL-6R levels were significantly higher in COPD patients compared to S (n = 15, medians; 5,338 pg/mL versus 4,453 pg/mL respectively, p < 0.001), while the comparison of COPD vs. HNS (median 4,853 pg/mL) was not significant (p = 0.3). Here, IL6R is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.