VCAM1 and hydrops fetalis: Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed increased levels of VCAM-1 mRNA in the aortic arch of KRIT1+/− mice fed HF diet as compared to wild-type littermates (1.6 fold increase; p = 0.04) (Figure 2C), whereas no differences were observed in the descending thoracic aorta (Figure 2D).