Abstract
Similarities in the mechanisms of vascular calcification and the processes of bone and cartilage mineralization have come to light in recent years. Although formerly thought to be an inactive process of hydroxyapatite crystal precipitation, presently, vascular calcification is considered a regulated type of tissue mineralization. Moreover, different pathways of tissue mineralization are discussed. Pathological types of calcification are correlated with aging, metabolic disorders, chronic low-grade inflammation, and with genetic and acquired dysregulation of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) metabolism. This chapter focuses on recent developments in understanding the mechanisms of vascular calcification with special emphasis on the particular calcification pathway and the impact of deficient inhibition of calcification.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arteries / pathology*
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Blood Proteins / physiology
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Calcinosis / etiology*
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Calcinosis / prevention & control
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Calcium-Binding Proteins / physiology
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins / physiology
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Humans
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Inflammation / complications
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Matrix Gla Protein
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Osteopontin / physiology
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Osteoprotegerin / physiology
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Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / physiology
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Pyrophosphatases / physiology
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Vascular Diseases / etiology*
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Vascular Diseases / prevention & control
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alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein
Substances
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AHSG protein, human
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Blood Proteins
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Calcium-Binding Proteins
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins
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Osteoprotegerin
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TNFRSF11B protein, human
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alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein
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Osteopontin
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Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases
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ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1
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Pyrophosphatases