NPPB and atherosclerosis: These included proteins involved in atherosclerosis/inflammation (e.g. GDF-15, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, and CD14), extracellular matrix [matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7)], heart failure [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)], and renal insufficiency cystatin C (CST3; Figure 2C).