We found that the mRNA levels of TNF, ITGB2, VCAM1, TYROBP, LCP2, SPI1, CTSS and PTPN6 in the atherosclerosis group were significantly increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) compared to the NC group, while the mRNA level of SQLE was significantly decreased (P < 0.01, Fig. 6a). This evidence concerns the gene CTSS and atherosclerosis.