GGT, NT-proBNP, and MIF-1 proved to be significant determinants, even after adjusting for possible confounders, such as gender, the habit of smoking, comorbidities (COPD, hypertension, CAD), and laboratory parameters (absolute monocyte count, HDL-cholesterol, TSH levels). The gene discussed is HERPUD1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.