CCL2 and endothelial dysfunction: ox-LDL-induced LOX-1 activation triggers endothelial dysfunction and the expression of atherosclerotic inflammatory genes, such as monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in ECs (66, 67).