SPP1 and Sepsis: In this cluster, 2 of the most overexpressed genes in carotid versus femoral plaque (both > 6-fold higher expression) were MIF, a potent acute inflammatory signaling molecule implicated in endotoxinemia and sepsis (40), and SPP1 (osteopontin), a broadly activating cytokine with roles in acute and chronic inflammation (41, 42).