Compared with the control group, the integrated optical density (IOD) values of PERK and CHOP, the apoptotic rate of AECs, and expressions of LC3-II, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7, Caspase-3, and Caspase-12 expressions were significantly higher, whereas p62 expression was significantly lower in the COPD group. Here, ATG7 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.