Increased levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6),8 and cell adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)3 have been reported in the HIV-infected population.2,12 Accelerated atherosclerosis has also been detected in HIV-infected patients,1,13 and a wide range of coagulation disorders may be associated with HIV infection itself.5 This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and atherosclerosis.