Cystatin C is a member of the Type 2 cystatin superfamily. It is a potent inhibitor of cysteine proteinases, both endogenous (lysosomal cathepsins), and pathogenic. Cystatin C is found in high concentrations in biological fluids and is expressed by all human nucleated cells. Changes in cystatin C have been documented in a number of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, amyloid angiopathy and myocardial infarction
