Plasma levels of pro- (i.e., VEGF) and anti- (i.e., TGFβ1) angiogenic factors also were examined in the study participants: VEGF levels were significantly elevated in PAD stage II patients compared to those in age- and sex-matched individuals without PAD diagnosis and a similar cardiovascular risk profile (p = 0.0198; Figure 4A). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is peripheral arterial disease.