RESUMO
YKL-40 (human cartilage glycoprotein 39) is a newly discovered inflammatory cytokine, which belongs to the member of 18 glycosyl hydrolase of mammal family. Previous studies have indicated that YKL-40 is associated with the acute or chronic inflammatory diseases and tumors. Studies in recent years have suggested that YKL-40 may be involved in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic plaques, and it is correlated with the plaque instability. The physiological function and the mechanisms of YKL-40 are not fully understood. It may have the roes of promoting vascular smooth muscle migration and proliferation, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as regulating extracellular matrix remodeling The detection of YKL-40 may have some significance in the aided diagnosis, predicting prognosis, prevention of cardiocerebrovascular diseases, and even the establishment of new therapeutic strategies.