IL6 and atherosclerosis: The continuous release of inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP) damages vascular endothelial cells, promoting the formation and progression of atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of stroke.[35,36] Free radicals and reactive oxygen species in air pollutants induce sustained oxidative stress, resulting in lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, protein denaturation, and DNA damage.