Here, we analyzed the role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in determining the stiffness of endothelial cells (EC) exposed to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) under static and hemodynamic conditions in vitro and of aortic endothelium in vivo in mouse models of dyslipidemia and ageing. The gene discussed is CAV1; the disease is metabolic syndrome.