SDC1 and atherosclerosis: It consists of a core protein with an extracellular domain that is enriched with chondroitin- and heparan-sulfated glycosaminoglycan side chains.12 Initially identified in mammary epithelial cells, syndecan-1 participates in several vital biological processes, such as wound healing, cell adhesion, and motility.13 Low levels of syndecan-1 may contribute to increased inflammation, which can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.14