Considering the partial rescue effects of CDKN1B on miR-221-3p, it can be inferred that some other modulators associated with the miR-221-3p/CDKN1B axis regulate 16HBE cell apoptosis and inflammatory response and further mediate COPD, which can explain the large difference in CDKN1B expression despite the relatively small difference in miR-221-3p expression in COPD patients compared to control individuals. This evidence concerns the gene CDKN1B and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.