Finally, in a multiple regression analysis that included the variables shown to be correlated to the extent of the plaque by univariate analysis (MCP-1, NADPH oxidase activity, and the level of iNOS mRNA), NADPH oxidase activity along with iNOS alone predicted 86% of the atherosclerosis under the study conditions, P < 0.01. This evidence concerns the gene CCL2 and atherosclerosis.