Even after correction for clinically relevant cofounders (age, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes and LDL-cholesterol levels), VCAM-1 concentration [HF 1.001, 95% CI (1.0001–1.0018); p = 0.02] remained associated with the presence of PAD. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.