Leptin also increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells, stimulates secretion of proinflammotory cytokines such as TNF-b and IL-6, both of which are promoters of hypertension and atherosclerosis,20 possibly explaining the relationshsip between hypertensive peaks in obese patients prior to the onset of DS. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and atherosclerosis.