Also sex differences in systematic inflammatory profiles may promote atherosclerosis.89,91 For instance, it has been reported that men have more circulating CD14+ and CD16++ monocytes, which have been associated with impaired endothelial function,96 intima-media thickness,97 and less carotid compliance,98 than women.99 Another mechanism could be differences in carotid anatomy, affecting hemodynamic parameters. The gene discussed is CD14; the disease is atherosclerosis.