We demonstrated that ApoE–/– induced atherosclerosis and an increase in iron contents, expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), cellular adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and a reduction in expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme in aortic tissues. The gene discussed is HMOX1; the disease is atherosclerosis.