[Bone metabolism and cardiovascular function Update. Vascular calcification as a manifestation of bone-vascular axis]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Bone Metabolism
• Vascular Biology

Context:

• Vascular calcification significantly contributes to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and aging populations.
• Vascular calcification shares cellular and molecular events with skeletal bone formation.
• The precise roles of osteoclast differentiation and function in arterial calcification remain incompletely understood.

Purpose:

• To elucidate the role of osteoclasts in vascular calcification.
• To explore the "calcium paradox" in vascular calcification.
• To investigate the unifying role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis in regulating calcification in both bone and arteries.

Summary:

• Vascular calcification involves processes similar to bone formation, with contributions from osteoblast-like cells.
• Osteoclast differentiation and function in arteries are not fully understood, but evidence suggests a role in calcium reabsorption.
• The "calcium paradox" is attributed to differential cellular responses to oxidative stress rather than a simple bone-to-artery calcium shift.
• The RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway is identified as a critical regulator influencing calcification in both bone and vascular tissues.

Impact:

• Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
• Clarifying the role of the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis may provide targets for managing cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.
• This research contributes to a unified understanding of bone and vascular health, offering insights into age-related diseases.