Moreover, in a rat model of atherosclerosis, the upregulation of FGF21 affected inflammation and oxidative stress by increasing the expression of Nrf2-ARE (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements) signalling-related proteins [111], which are involved in cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, as well as in the protection of mitochondria. This evidence concerns the gene NFE2L2 and atherosclerosis.