Indeed, in a work by Garcia-Lucio et al., apoptotic (CD31+) EEVs were increased in COPD patients compared to non-smokers; moreover, these patients showed reduced levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, thus indicating that COPD is characterized by both a significant vascular damage and a reduced cellular regenerating capacity [33]. The gene discussed is PECAM1; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.