In terms of relationships between circulating levels of sclerostin and CVD risk factors, in a meta-analysis combining the mixed German angiography cohort described above, with a younger population-based female only UK cohort (mean age 48), higher levels of sclerostin were found to be associated with greater risk of diabetes mellitus, higher triglycerides, poorer renal function and lower HDL levels [14]. This evidence concerns the gene SOST and diabetes mellitus.