TRPV4 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Furthermore, TRPV4 is implicated in respiratory function and disease, playing a role in endothelial and epithelial barrier integrity, smooth muscle constriction and regulation of inflammation, which if compromised can result in alveolar oedema [57, 58], whilst gene polymorphisms are linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [59].