Dickkopf-1 Enhances Inflammatory Interaction Between Platelets and Endothelial Cells and Shows Increased Expression in Atherosclerosis

Our findings identify DKK-1 as a novel mediator in platelet-mediated endothelial cell activation. The demonstration of enhanced DKK-1 expression within advanced carotid plaques may suggest that this DKK-1-driven inflammatory loop could be operating within the atherosclerotic lesion.