To date, the only widely used biomarkers for COPD are lung function tests, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC combined with systemic inflammation biomarkers: fibrinogen, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and protein C reactive (CRP). The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.