Because our data indicate enhancement of TNF-α secretion in C57BL/6 mice by mCD36ED at low concentrations of LTA, the presence of high levels of soluble CD36 in plasma from type II diabetic patients could contribute to exacerbation of the inflammatory response of macrophages in the presence of negatively charged diacylglycerol ligands and, therefore, may play a role in atherosclerosis development in diabetic patients. This evidence concerns the gene CD36 and atherosclerosis.