Indeed, it is known that when the expression of the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is repressed, an excess of cholesterol builds up in alveolar cells, damaging surfactant function and increasing the inflammatory response that was implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, asthma and other lung diseases [91,92]. This evidence concerns the gene ABCA1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.