RANKL system in vascular and valve calcification with aging.

Ryo Kawakami,Takahisa Noma,Ryuichi Morishita,Masakazu Kohno,Koji Ohmori,Hironori Nakagami

doi:10.1186/s41232-016-0016-3

Ryo Kawakami, Takahisa Noma + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41232-016-0016-3

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Abstract

Vascular and cardiac valve calcification is associated with cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Increasing clinical and experimental evidence suggests that inflammation accelerates the progression of calcification, which has molecules in common with bone metabolism. For example, osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are proposed to play central roles in the calcification or demineralization of atherosclerotic lesions and the calcification of cardiac valves. Abnormalities in the balance of these proteins may lead to perturbations in vascular/valve calcification. “How to prevent calcification” is a common task based on conventional data; however, several pathological findings indicate that heavily calcified plaques are stable, which may not lead to coronary events. Vulnerable plaques tend to be either noncalcified or only mildly or moderately calcified. “How to treat calcification,” which depends on the details of the specific patient, thus remains a difficult challenge. In addition to the detection of calcification, characterization as well as quantification of it is necessary for optimal treatment of this pathology in the future.

Highlights

The saying “a man is as old as his arteries”, which William Osler quoted to describe the association between blood vessels and anti-aging in 1898 [1], remains relevant for many researchers and clinicians who are studying the central concepts of anti-aging
Rodondi et al prospectively investigated the prognoses of patients aged more than 65 years with vascular calcification for 13 years to determine whether aortic calcification is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease [2]
In analyses adjusted for age and cardiovascular risk factors, aortic calcification was associated with an increased rate of allcause mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.37; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.15–1.64) [2]

Summary

Introduction

The saying “a man is as old as his arteries” (a person grows old with their blood vessels), which William Osler quoted to describe the association between blood vessels and anti-aging in 1898 [1], remains relevant for many researchers and clinicians who are studying the central concepts of anti-aging. Studies confirm that vascular and valvular calcification is an actively regulated process and shares many features with bone development and metabolism. Rodondi et al prospectively investigated the prognoses of patients aged more than 65 years with vascular calcification for 13 years to determine whether aortic calcification is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease [2].

Results

Conclusion