In the light of the above, we undertook a study aimed at assessing the levels and activity of CHIT1 and YKL-40 in induced sputum, as well as the mutual relationships between CHIT1/YKL-40 and various features of airway inflammation in patients with COPD, smokers without COPD, and people who have never smoked. This evidence concerns the gene CHIT1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.