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Calcified Tissue International
Published in: Calcified Tissue International 4/2013

01-10-2013 | Original Research

Vascular Calcification: An Update on Mechanisms and Challenges in Treatment

Authors: Meiting Wu, Cameron Rementer, Cecilia M. Giachelli

Published in: Calcified Tissue International | Issue 4/2013

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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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Metadata
Title
Vascular Calcification: An Update on Mechanisms and Challenges in Treatment
Authors
Meiting Wu
Cameron Rementer
Cecilia M. Giachelli
Publication date
01-10-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Calcified Tissue International / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0171-967X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-013-9712-z

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