The number of apoptotic alveolar epithelial cells in the lung tissue has been associated with chronic airway obstruction.32,33 Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) increases survival and inhibits apoptosis in endothelial cells34 and is abundantly expressed in rat lung tissue.35 Apoptosis through VEGF signaling has been hypothesized to be a mechanism for the development of emphysema and COPD. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is pulmonary emphysema.