Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

[Is there a correlation between C-reactive protein and calcification inhibitors with cardiovascular parameters and

G Schlieper1, V Brandenburg, Z Djuric

  • 1Medizinische Klinik II, Nephrologie und Klinische Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Germany. gschlieper@ukaachen.de

Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|August 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular risk in hemodialysis patients is high. Calcification inhibitors fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin (OPG) did not correlate with vascular stiffness (PWV) or thickness (IMT).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology

Context:

  • Patients on hemodialysis face significantly increased cardiovascular mortality.
  • Uremia is linked to vascular calcification via inflammation, hyperphosphatemia, and reduced calcification inhibitors.
  • Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and intima-media thickness (IMT) are key indicators of cardiovascular risk.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the relationship between vascular parameters (PWV, IMT) and serum levels of calcification inhibitors (fetuin-A, osteoprotegerin [OPG]) in hemodialysis patients.

Summary:

  • A cohort of 97 hemodialysis patients was studied. PWV and IMT correlated with age, blood pressure, and dialysis efficiency (Kt/V).
  • Fetuin-A levels showed associations with inflammation (CRP), cholesterol, and triglycerides.
  • Crucially, serum levels of fetuin-A and OPG were not correlated with PWV or IMT.

Impact:

  • Findings suggest that functional and morphological vascular assessments cannot be substituted by measuring calcification inhibitor biomarkers alone.
  • This highlights the complexity of vascular calcification in hemodialysis and the need for multifactorial risk assessment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...