IL6 and atherosclerosis: There are currently a number of genes that are involved in atherosclerosis: genes that are involved in lipid metabolism (APOB on chromosome 2p24.1), genes involved in inflammatory mechanisms in the vascular wall (IL6 gene located on 7p15.3), genes involved in blood pressure regulation (ACE genes), genes involved in the function of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells, genes involved in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, or genes that contribute to the process of atherothrombosis.