CCL2 and atherosclerosis: In addition, hs-CRP has a role in atherosclerosis by down-regulating nitric oxide release from endothelial cells [22–24] and stimulating endothelin-1 and IL-6 secretion, resulting in increased expression of adhesion molecules, stimulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and facilitating macrophage low-density lipoprotein uptake [23, 24].