Mechanism of pi-induced vascular calcification

J Atheroscler Thromb. 2008 Apr;15(2):63-8. doi: 10.5551/jat.e545. Epub 2008 Apr 3.

Abstract

Vascular calcification is clinically important in the development of cardiovascular disease. It has been suggested that apoptosis is one of the processes regulating calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In this review, we discuss the role of apoptosis in inorganic phosphate (Pi)- induced calcification, focusing on regulation of the survival pathway mediated by growth arrest- specific gene 6 (Gas6). Further, we mention the beneficial effect of statins mediated by inhibition of apoptosis which is accompanied by restoration of the Gas6-mediated survival pathway. These findings indicate that Gas6 is a novel target of statins' effects to prevent vascular calcification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Calcinosis / drug therapy
  • Calcinosis / genetics
  • Calcinosis / physiopathology*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Phosphates / metabolism*
  • Vascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Vascular Diseases / genetics
  • Vascular Diseases / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Phosphates
  • growth arrest-specific protein 6