IL6 and atherosclerosis: 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.