This article summarises the latest results on the relationship of tumour growth factor beta (TGF-β) isoforms and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: which cells involved in atherosclerosis produce them, which effectors stimulate their synthesis and secretion, how they influence atherosclerosis development, and the relationship between the levels of TGF-β and GDF-15 in the blood and the development and extent of atherosclerosis. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is atherosclerosis.