Although functional levels including GR mRNA or cortisol levels were not measured in the present study, hypermethylation of the NR3C1 has been found to be related with reduced GR mRNA level8 and abnormal cortisol response22, which might affect glucocorticoid receptor sensitivities in turn cause endothelial dysfunctions, atherosclerosis and impaired metabolic signaling29,30. Here, NR3C1 is linked to atherosclerosis.