The authors also found a significant positive correlation between expression of MALAT1 and GOLD stage and inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐8, IL‐23 and TNF‐α) in both patients with acute exacerbation and stable cohorts, indicating MALAT1 could induce inflammation and inappropriate immune response in COPD. This evidence concerns the gene MALAT1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.