Indeed, IL6 signaling may represent a disease mechanism common to both AAA and CAD, in that its relevant effects include endothelial cell activation, lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation, increased coagulation, and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.41 Other than addressing general CVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes mellitus, there are currently no approved pharmacological therapies for the treatment of AAA. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is metabolic syndrome.