Here, we show that the depletion of functional mitochondria leads to increased levels of CXCL8 and IL-6 as well as CCL20, G-CSF, CCL3 and CCL4, and IL-12, all pro-inflammatory cytokines that were found to be increased in lungs of COPD patients17–21,24,25,27–31,35. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.