VCAM1 and endothelial dysfunction: Although it was regarded as a pro-atherogenic factor due to its stimulatory activity on SMC growth [187], recent studies suggested a protective property of bFGF on plaque formation in a hypercholesterolemic rabbit model by reversing endothelial dysfunction and reducing vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression as well as plaque macrophage content [188].