Future research may be required on the pathogenesis of GDF15 in chronic lung diseases, such as the identification of (i) the upstream molecules involved in regulating GDF15 expression, (ii) receptors in lung tissues that directly bind GDF15, and (iii) mechanisms underlying the association between GDF15 and ageing, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of chronic lung diseases. This evidence concerns the gene GDF15 and chronic lung disease.