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Review
. 2013 Oct;93(4):365-73.
doi: 10.1007/s00223-013-9712-z. Epub 2013 Mar 1.

Vascular calcification: an update on mechanisms and challenges in treatment

Meiting Wu  1 , Cameron Rementer, Cecilia M Giachelli
Affiliations
Review

Vascular calcification: an update on mechanisms and challenges in treatment

Meiting Wu et al. Calcif Tissue Int. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Vascular calcification is highly associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, particularly in high-risk patients with diabetes and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). In blood vessels, intimal calcification is associated with atherosclerosis, whereas medial calcification is a nonocclusive process which leads to increased vascular stiffness and reduced vascular compliance. In the valves, calcification of the leaflets can change the mechanical properties of the tissue and result in stenosis. For many decades, vascular calcification has been noted as a consequence of aging. Studies now confirm that vascular calcification is an actively regulated process and shares many features with bone development and metabolism. This review provides an update on the mechanisms of vascular calcification including the emerging roles of the RANK/RANKL/OPG triad, osteoclasts, and microRNAs. Potential treatments adapted from osteoporosis and CKD treatments that are under investigation for preventing and/or regressing vascular calcification are also reviewed.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have stated that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Major Mechanisms and Mediators of Vascular Calcification.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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