Other studies showed that CS extracts induced pro-inflammatory/matrix remodeling genes (MCP1, MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, IL (interleukin)-1β, NF (nuclear factor)–κB) in cultured cells [25], suggesting that the harmful effects of CS on atherosclerosis are mediated through the pro-inflammatory/matrix pathway. This evidence concerns the gene CCL2 and atherosclerosis.