CTSD and atherosclerosis: We found that E-selectin, interleukin-1 receptor type 1, interleukin-1 receptor type 2, galectin-3, galectin-4, intercellular adhesion molecule 2, integrin beta-2, GDF-15, and cathepsin D levels were significantly upregulated in diabetic AS patients, proteins which have been implicated in inflammation, cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, atherosclerosis, and heart failure [38–44].