Role of smooth muscle cells in vascular calcification: implications in atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness

This article aims t o compare and contrast the role of VSMCs in driving calcification in both atherosclerosis and in the vessel media focusing on the major drivers of calcification, including aging, uraemia, mechanical stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The review also discusses novel findings that have also b rought attention to specific pro- and anti-calcifying proteins, extracellular vesicles, mitochondrial dysfunction, and a uraemic milieu as major determinants of vascular calcification.
Source: Cardiovascular Research - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research