The sleep deprivation pro-atherogenic effect in animal model of sleep fragmentation is mediated, at least in part, by reduced hypothalamic release of hypocretin (i.e., orexin), a wake-inducing neuropeptide, which limits the production of leukocytes (monocytes and neutrophils) and atherosclerosis development, and has been inversely associated with the risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and obesity205. This evidence concerns the gene HCRT and atherosclerosis.