The reduced expression of SOD3 and c-jun in fibroblasts from COPD subjects after 24 h of hypoxia could indicate that COPD fibroblasts do not proliferate to the same extent and be in a senescent state due to reduced anti-apoptotic signalling, as hypoxia increased Bcl2 gene expression in healthy fibroblasts. The gene discussed is SOD3; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.