[Clinical significance of close relationship between bone and vasculature]

Recently, evidences are accumulating that there is a close relationship between bone and vasculature and both organs are regulated by common factors. Thus, matrix Gla protein (MGP) , which is a non-collagen bone matrix protein was shown to be an important regulator of calcification both in the cartilage and blood vessel. We have recently shown that natriuretic peptides are very potent regulator of endochondral bone formation. Vascular "calcification" resembles the process of bone formation in many aspects. These observations suggest the possibility that osteoporosis and vascular lesions such as atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, are based on common factors, as in the case of multiple risk factor syndrome. Some drugs, currently used for the treatment of osteoporosis, has potential benefits for vascular lesions also.