Inflammatory molecules, such as matrix metalloproteinases, COX-2, cPLA2, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), are implicated in the pathophysiology of respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3). The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is asthma.