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

Published on: May 31, 2016

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BMP2/Smad signaling pathway is involved in the inhibition function of fibroblast growth factor 21 on vascular

Xiaoxiao Liu1, Fangying Cao2, Shuang Liu3

  • 1Emergency & Critical Care Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|June 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 inhibits vascular calcification by modulating the BMP2/Smad signaling pathway. This finding offers potential therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular events linked to vascular calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vascular calcification is a prevalent condition linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is recognized for its metabolic regulatory and cardioprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effect of FGF21 on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of FGF21's action on VSMC calcification.

Main Methods:

  • VSMCs were treated with beta-glycerophosphate (BGP) to induce mineralization.
  • Calcium concentration and Alizarin Red S staining were used to assess mineralization.
  • Expression levels of BMP2/Smad signaling pathway components and osteoblast differentiation markers were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • FGF21 significantly inhibited BGP-induced VSMC mineralization.
  • FGF21 suppressed the BMP2/Smad signaling pathway and markers of osteoblast differentiation.
  • FGF21 and Noggin demonstrated synergistic inhibition of the BMP2/Smad pathway and calcification.

Conclusions:

  • FGF21 effectively inhibits vascular calcification in vitro.
  • The mechanism involves the modulation of the BMP2/Smad signaling pathway.
  • FGF21 presents a potential therapeutic target for preventing vascular calcification.
Keywords:
BMP2/Smad signaling pathwayFibroblast growth factor21NogginOsteoblast differentiationVascular calcification

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