Although IL-8 release was augmented in COPD lung fibroblasts as compared to that of control, exogenous miR-503 did not inhibit IL-8 release in human fetal lung fibroblasts, supporting the concept that IL-8 is not be a direct target of miR-503 in lung fibroblasts. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.