In addition, in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice, the progression of carotid atherosclerosis is accompanied by a decrease in MFN2 levels (Chen et al., 2004), and overexpression of MFN2 inhibits oxLDL-induced VSMC proliferation during atherogenesis (Guo Y. H. et al., 2007). This evidence concerns the gene APOE and carotid atherosclerosis.