[26]. On the other hand, EGF is a mediator of stress-related events influencing the cell cycle [27]. This might be particularly important in heart diseases, where adverse effects of angiotensin II could be partly mediated by EGF [28]. Similarly, VEGF has been reported to be upregulated by angiotensin II, and thereby activate vascular inflammation [29]. However, VEGF has also been reported to act as a neuroprotective factor, which makes our results somewhat intriguing [30]. Also, VEGF has recently been shown to selectively recruit stem and progenitor cells to specific organs [31]. This evidence concerns the gene EGF and heart disorder.