IL6 and atherosclerosis: STAT1 can also be involved in interferon-γ (IFN-γ), TLR4, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activation pathways thereby amplifying pro-inflammatory signals, leading to increased SMC leukocyte migration, leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, and foam cell formation, thereby promoting atherosclerosis and atheroma formation (60).