DKK3 and atherosclerosis: In the early stage of atherogenesis, endothelial regeneration is a critical protective mechanism to repair damaged cells and prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.53,54 As mentioned previously, an inverse correlation between blood DKK3 level and atherosclerosis in humans and a reduction of arterial reendothelialization after injury in the DKK3-/-- mouse model have been observed.