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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
[Pathogenesis and treatment of vascular calcification in CKD]
D Brancaccio1, M Gallieni, S Pasho
1Cattedra di Nefrologia, U.O. Nefrologia e Dialisi, A.O. San Paolo, Milano 20142, Italy. diego.brancaccio@unimi.it
Insights
Vascular calcification, a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributes to cardiovascular events. Managing mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) through targeted therapies can improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Vascular calcification is a significant complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- It is linked to increased cardiovascular events and mortality in CKD patients.
- Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) encompasses metabolic derangements contributing to vascular calcification.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of vascular calcification in CKD.
- To highlight the role of CKD-MBD in this process.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies for preventing and managing vascular calcification in CKD.
Summary:
- Vascular calcification in CKD results from an active ossification process, influenced by bone proteins.
- CKD-MBD involves abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, and vascular calcification.
- Therapeutic interventions include controlling calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and utilizing specific medications.
Impact:
- Understanding vascular calcification mechanisms is crucial for improving CKD patient prognosis.
- Effective management of CKD-MBD can mitigate cardiovascular risks.
- New therapeutic approaches aim to reduce mortality and enhance quality of life for CKD patients.
Abstract:
Increased vascular calcification is a major cause of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is the result of an active ossification process counteracted by ''bone'' proteins such as osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, and osteocalcin. Chronic kidney disease - mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic disorder of mineral and bone metabolism that occurs in CKD. In addition to abnormalities in the serum calcium and phosphate profile, CKD-MBD is characterized by abnormalities of bone turnover, mineralization, volume and growth as well as vascular calcification. Considering that the presence and extent of vascular calcification in CKD portend a poor prognosis, many efforts have been made to shed light on this complicated phenomenon to prevent vascular calcium deposition and its progression. Indeed, careful control of calcium load, serum phosphate and parathyroid hormone along with the use of calcium-free phosphate binders and vitamin D receptor activators represent a new therapeutic armamentarium to improve quality of life and reduce mortality in CKD.
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