In this study, breakdown fragments of calprotectin generated by human neutrophil elastase (CPa9-HNE) released by activated neutrophils, collagen type VI produced by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 activity (C6M), and versican digested by MMP-12 (VCANM) were investigated in plasma obtained from control and COPD subjects. Here, VCAN is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.