Sclerostin is expressed in the atherosclerotic plaques of patients who undergoing carotid endarterectomy
Background: Sclerostin (SC) is a monomeric glycoprotein expressed by osteocytes that affects bone formation. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for this protein in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate SC expression in atherosclerotic plaques of patients affected by severe atherosclerotic disease who underwent carotid endarterectomy. We also evaluated possible differences in SC expression between patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).