Notably, in the less hyperlipidemic of these two transgenic models, we could also discern a very strong positive correlation between plaque macrophage numbers and plasma cholesterol/LDL-C levels, implying that in early-stage atherosclerosis, mTrib1High macrophages (in marked contrast to Trib1-deficient macrophages) are uniquely equipped to increase plaque macrophage numbers in response to lipid excess and hence foam cell and fatty streak formation. This evidence concerns the gene TRIB1 and atherosclerosis.