[Arteriosclerosis and arterial calcifications in chronic kidney insufficiency]

Abstract

Arterial disease in CKD patients is characterized by extensive calcification. Evidence has accumulated pointing to the active and regulated nature of the calcification process. Elevated phosphate and calcium may stimulate sodium- dependent phosphate cotransport involving osteoblast-like changes in cellular gene expression. AC is responsible for stiffening of the arteries with increased left ventricular afterload and abnormal coronary perfusion as the principal clinical consequences.