We observed statistically higher expression levels for IL6ST (p = 0.03, see Fig. 4a) and PIAS3 (p = 0.02, see Fig. 4b), in induced sputum in COPD patients with the exacerbation history compared to COPD patients without the exacerbation history in last 12 months. The gene discussed is IL6ST; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.