Mouse models of mild dyslipidemia have been found to demonstrate endothelial dysfunction, for example, those which are deficient in apolipoprotein E. This endothelial dysfunction is associated with stretch-induced hypercontractility and diminished endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, accompanied by decreased levels of NO and eNOS, as well as increased plasma levels of IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine that reduces eNOS levels and activity. This evidence concerns the gene APOE and endothelial dysfunction.