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Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

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

Published on: May 31, 2016

Role of homocysteine in aortic calcification and osteogenic cell differentiation

Ann Van Campenhout1, Corey S Moran, Adam Parr

  • 1Vascular Biology Unit, School of Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD4811, Australia.

Atherosclerosis
|July 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

High homocysteine levels are linked to vascular calcification. This study found homocysteine in human atheroma and showed it promotes osteogenic cell differentiation, explaining its association with atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biochemistry
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • The precise role of homocysteine in atherosclerosis remains incompletely understood.
  • Investigating the link between plasma homocysteine and aortic calcification is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between plasma homocysteine and infrarenal aortic calcification.
  • To determine the presence of homocysteine in human atheroma.
  • To investigate the effect of homocysteine on osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

Main Methods:

  • 194 patients with peripheral artery disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm underwent Computer Tomography Angiography.
  • Atheroma biopsies from 16 patients undergoing endarterectomy were analyzed for homocysteine.
  • In vitro studies utilized mesenchymal stem cells and monocytic THP1 cells exposed to homocysteine.

Main Results:

  • Fasting plasma total homocysteine was independently associated with infrarenal aortic calcification severity (OR 1.91).
  • Homocysteine was detected in all atheroma biopsies, with higher concentrations in calcified samples (p=0.003).
  • In vitro, homocysteine significantly increased calcium deposition in mesenchymal stem cells and promoted aortic smooth muscle cell calcification.

Conclusions:

  • Homocysteine plays a significant role in vascular calcification through various mechanisms.
  • The presence of homocysteine in atheroma and its pro-osteogenic effects contribute to its association with atherosclerotic events.
Abstract

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