Consistent with the increased neutrophil activation observed in older patients, MMP-7, a well-established pro-fibrotic mediator and potential diagnostic biomarker for IPF, was significantly elevated in patients over 40 years old (n = 7) compared to healthy controls (n = 4) (P < 0.05) Figure S4A. This suggests a possible increase in extracellular matrix remodeling and epithelial injury with age. The gene discussed is MMP7; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.