This includes increased VEGFA expression in the bronchial epithelium of smokers and COPD smokers relative to the normal epithelium25,26, increased capillary number in the airway of COPD patients compared to healthy controls27,28, and finally increased fragmentation of the basement membrane and altered distribution of vessels in smokers and smokers with COPD compared to healthy non-smokers29. This evidence concerns the gene VEGFA and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.