Moreover, the infiltration of CD68+ macrophages, the number of TUNEL+ myocytes, and the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio were also markedly lower in the hearts of VEGF‐C156S‐injected mice than in those of saline‐injected control mice after TAC (Figures 6J‐6L), indicating a protective effect against cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. The gene discussed is BCL2; the disease is persistent truncus arteriosus.