However, CXCR4 expression was also proven to have a protective role in atherosclerosis, due to CXCR4 blockade-enhanced plaque initiation [29], which was associated with increased activated neutrophils in the blood and an induced neutrophil component, in accordance with atherosclerotic apoptosis and inflammation [30, 31]. This evidence concerns the gene CXCR4 and atherosclerosis.