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Biomarkers of vascular calcification in serum

Stefanos Roumeliotis1, Athanasios Roumeliotis1, Evangelia Dounousi2

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Advances in Clinical Chemistry
|June 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Vascular calcification (VC) is an active process linked to mortality, particularly in diabetes and kidney disease patients. This review updates biomarkers and pathogenetic mechanisms of arterial mineralization.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vascular calcification (VC) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
  • This risk is particularly pronounced in patients with high atherogenic conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Historically viewed as passive aging, VC is now understood as an active, complex mineralization process akin to bone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of serum biomarkers for vascular calcification (VC).
  • To elucidate the complex pathogenetic mechanisms underlying arterial mineralization.
  • To highlight the roles of key molecular factors in VC development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on vascular calcification (VC).
  • Analysis of current research on VC pathogenetic mechanisms.
  • Compilation of data on established and emerging VC biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • VC is an active, regulated process involving molecular pathways similar to osteogenesis.
  • Numerous biomarkers in serum reflect VC activity and progression.
  • Key factors include matrix Gla protein, osteoprotegerin, bone morphogenetic proteins, fetuin-a, FGF-23, and others.

Conclusions:

  • Vascular calcification (VC) is a complex, active biological process with significant clinical implications.
  • Understanding VC pathogenetic mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Biomarkers offer potential for improved diagnosis and risk stratification in patients with VC.

Keywords:
Bone morphogenetic proteinsFetuin-AFibroblast growth-factor-23Matrix Gla ProteinOsteocalcinOsteoprotegerinPyrophosphateVascular calcification

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