COPD sputum samples collected during exacerbations (n = 14) show an increase in neutrophil percentage (82.8% versus 92%, p < 0.05, Table S13), IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for all comparisons; Figure 2). The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.