In this study, the rat COPD model was successfully established in terms of increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and decline of lung function (FEV0.3/FVC ratio), which were used as biomarkers and the main criterion for COPD patients29 and well evidenced by the followed hispathological analysis (Fig. 3a). Here, IL6 is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.