In particular, by inhibiting the activation of NF-kB, they reduce the expression of the inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1b, TNF-alpha, and therefore have antiproliferative effects on the smooth muscle cells and contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis [27]. Citrus bergamia can therefore play an important role in preventing vascular damage due to proliferation of smooth muscle cells and dysfunction of endothelial cells. This evidence concerns the gene IL1B and atherosclerosis.