This is the first study to demonstrate that the immunohistochemical expression of GHSR-1a in atherosclerotic arteries predisposes to increased local inflammation in obese PAD patients, as shown by higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines released by adipose tissue, CD68- and CD80-positive macrophages and CD14-positive monocytes from atherosclerotic plaque and PVAT. The gene discussed is CD14; the disease is peripheral arterial disease.