Abstract
Inflammation and calcification are common features of aortic valve (AV) diseases [1]. AV diseases preferentially occur in the aortic side of the valvular leaflets where they are exposed to complex and unstable hemodynamic conditions [2]. The reasons for this side-specific response, potentially associated with the local shear stress environment, are not completely understood. In addition, while it has been shown that exposure of vascular endothelial cells to oscillatory shear stress induces inflammatory responses by bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-4-dependent mechanisms [3], it is not clear whether BMP plays a role in the inflammation of AV leaflet exposed to altered mechanical environment. In the present study, we hypothesized that AV inflammation occurs preferentially in the aortic surface of AV leaflets in a BMP and TGF-β1-dependent manner due to the local hemodynamic loading conditions. This hypothesis was tested via three sets of experiments focused on the biological response of porcine AV leaflets using either a standard or pro-osteogenic medium.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
