Mechanism of Vascular Calcification : Role of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism

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Vascular calcification is often encountered in the development of atherosclerotic intimal lesions. In chronic renal failure patients, vascular calcification contributes to both the morbidity and mortality. Although the molecular mechanisms regulating vascular calcification remain obscure, recent studies suggest that vascular calcification may be an actively regulated process in which vascular cells may acquire osteoblast-like functions. Several clinical studies indicate that a high serum phosphate level is highly correlated with the extent of vascular calcification and vascular disease. In vitro studies demonstrated that inorganic phosphate regulates the expression of bone matrix proteins, and that calcification is regulated by inorganic phosphate through a sodium dependent phosphate transport system. These findings suggest that inorganic phosphate may play an important role in the development of vascular calcification.