The Appearance and Modulation of Osteocyte Marker Expression during Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
2011
Osteocyte Markers in Aortic Calcification
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zhu Dongxing, Mackenzie Neil Charles Wallace, Millán José Luis, Farquharson Colin, MacRae Vicky Elizabeth
Primary Institution: The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Does vascular smooth muscle cell calcification involve a transition to an osteocyte phenotype?
Conclusion
The study shows that vascular calcification is associated with the up-regulation of key osteocyte markers.
Supporting Evidence
- Vascular calcification is a marker of increased cardiovascular risk.
- Vascular smooth muscle cells can transition to an osteoblastic phenotype in a calcifying environment.
- Key osteocyte markers DMP-1, E11, and sclerostin were up-regulated during VSMC calcification.
Takeaway
When blood vessels get hard, some of the cells inside them start acting like bone cells, which is not normal. This study helps us understand how that happens.
Methodology
The study used in vitro VSMC calcification studies and ex vivo analyses of a mouse model.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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