However VEGF, VEGFR-2, GYP-1 and NRP-1 expression in the peripheral lungs of patients with stable COPD is not reduced compared with control smokers with normal lung function [112] and VEGF expression is increased in the wall of small pulmonary arteries of patients with stable COPD compared with control smokers with normal lung function [113]. The gene discussed is NRP1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.