Expression of Desmocollin-1 in carotid atherosclerotic plaques and calcific aortic valves

Introduction

Atherosclerosis and calcific aortic valve stenosis are active, regulated processes sharing features such as lipid infiltration, extracellular matrix deposition, cellular proliferation, and calcification. Their exact mechanisms remain unclear. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is central to reverse cholesterol transport, and Desmocollin-1 (DSC1) has recently been implicated in HDL biogenesis. This study assessed DSC1 expression and localization in atherosclerotic plaques and calcific aortic valves.