This suggests that the effect of CYP17A1 deficiency on atherosclerosis in males seems to be acting via lack of testosterone because Cyp17a1 is not or low expressed in cells playing a critical role in atherosclerosis including monocytes/macrophages, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, as well as the plaque itself. The gene discussed is CYP17A1; the disease is atherosclerosis.