Our primary findings indicate decreased response to hypoxia in regulation of 5-HTR2B and IRE1 gene expression, increased release of MCP-1 and VEGF-C in COPD fibroblasts and that profibrotic stimuli resulted in higher IL-8 and PGE2 release in COPD fibroblasts. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.