Next, the role of NLRP3 in endothelial cells in the development of diabetes-associated AS was assessed in endothelia-specific NLRP3 mutant, ApoE (-/-) mice (APOEKO/Tie2p-Cre/NLRP3MKO), compared to control ApoE (-/-) mice (APOEKO), supplied with either HFD, or normal diet (ND). Here, APOE is linked to diabetes mellitus.