CXCR4 and atherosclerosis: Moreover, in experimental mice models of atherosclerosis (Apoe-/-) we confirmed increased expression of CXCR4 and MMP12 in aorta of accelerated atherosclerosis progression as compared with mice with delayed atherosclerosis (Apoe-/-Mmp10-/-), suggesting a pathogenic role for these inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis development.