Our aim is to summarise the state-of-the-art knowledge on the relationship of tumour growth factor beta (TGF-β) isoforms and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) cytokines to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: which cells involved in atherosclerosis produce them, which effectors stimulate their synthesis and secretion, how they affect atherosclerosis development, and the relationship between blood levels of TGF-β and GDF-15 and the development and degree of atherosclerosis. Here, GDF15 is linked to atherosclerosis.