Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are considered to be two major 
atherosclerotic risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). A stress-induced 
protein identified to be dermcidin isoform 2 of Mr. 11 kDa from blood plasma of 
hypertensive persons when injected (0.1 μM) in rabbits increased the systolic 
pressure by 77% and diastolic pressure by 45% over the controls within 2 h. 
Ingestion of acetyl salicylic acid (150 mg/70 kg) by these subjects reduced 
systolic (130 mm Hg) and diastolic pressures (80 mm Hg) with reduction of plasma 
dermcidin level to normal ranges (9 nM). The protein was found to be a potent 
activator of platelet cyclooxygenase and inhibited insulin synthesis. Aspirin 
was found to reduce hypertension by reduction of plasma dermcidin level, 
neutralized the effect of cyclooxygenase, and restored the pancreatic insulin 
synthesis through NO synthesis. These results indicated that dermcidin could be 
a novel atherosclerotic risk factor for its hypertensive and diabetogenic 
effects.