New insight of complement system in the process of vascular calcification

Abstract

The complement system defences against pathogenic microbes and modulates immune homeostasis by interacting with the innate and adaptive immune systems. Dysregulation, impairment or inadvertent activation of complement system contributes to the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Vascular calcification is the pivotal pathological basis of CVD, and contributes to the high morbidity and mortality of CVD. Increasing evidences indicate that the complement system plays a key role in chronic kidney diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and aging-related diseases, which are closely related with vascular calcification. However, the effect of complement system on vascular calcification is still unclear. In this review, we summarize current evidences about the activation of complement system in vascular calcification. We also describe the complex network of complement system and vascular smooth muscle cells osteogenic transdifferentiation, systemic inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, extracellular matrix remodelling, oxidative stress, apoptosis in vascular calcification. Hence, providing a better understanding of the potential relationship between complement system and vascular calcification, so as to provide a direction for slowing the progression of this burgeoning health concern.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; complement system; vascular calcification.