However, in the present study very high concentrations of AS and AN induced immunomodulatory effects in epithelial cells and fibroblasts with a pronounced increase in levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and the growth factors VEGF and HGF, markers that relate to airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma and COPD [11]. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.