APOE and endothelial dysfunction: By applying Raman- and AFM-based detection methods, an increased intracellular lipid content and elevated cortical stiffness/elasticity were shown in ApoE/LDL-R−/− aortas, demonstrating a direct link between endothelial dysfunction, the biochemical composition, and the nanomechanical properties of endothelial cells (ECs) [27].