Interestingly, the Il10−/− mouse model with confirmed colitis given apelin was observed to manifest a decreased production of proinflammatory molecules (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), reduced severity of inflammation, and, finally, improved intestinal lymphatic functions, assessed due to a greater lymphatic vessel density and confirmed by enhanced lymphatic drainage evaluated with lymphangiography. The gene discussed is APLN; the disease is colitis.