Abstract: A method for preventing or treating atherosclerosis or atherosclerosis-related diseases in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of sDSS1 protein or a fragment or variant thereof, a nucleic acid encoding the sDSS1 protein or a fragment or variant thereof or a vector containing the nucleic acid, transplanting into the individual with a cell expressing the sDSS1 protein or a fragment or variant thereof, or tissues or organs containing the sDSS1 protein or a fragment or variant thereof or the nucleic acid, and/or infusing into the individual serum or interstitial fluid containing the sDSS1 protein or a fragment or variant thereof or the nucleic acid.