The present study evaluated whether serum FGF23 level is associated with internal carotid artery stenosis, defined as high-grade (>70 %) carotid stenosis (ICAS), and with carotid plaque stability and correlates with other inflammatory cytokines [High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)]. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and internal carotid artery stenosis.