VCAM1 and atherosclerosis: Angiotensin II (both produced locally and circulating) exerts its action through the AT1 and AT2 receptors promoting atherosclerosis, causing vasoconstriction and regulating expression of adhesion molecules (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin) and the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors within the arterial wall [6].