Moreover, this study also underscores the importance of thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-acting small protein, in the treatment of COPD exacerbations because it ameliorates exacerbation-related emphysema progression by inhibiting acute and late neutrophil inflammation, which is resistant to the standard dose of dexamethasone used in clinical practice. Here, TXN is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.