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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
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A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

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New therapeutic perspectives for vascular and valvular calcifications in chronic kidney disease

Sharon Huish1, Smeeta Sinha2,3

  • 1Department of Renal Dietetics, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and University of Exeter.

Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|April 4, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease (CKD) lacks approved treatments. Promising interventions targeting hydroxyapatite formation and novel assays like T50 show potential for managing this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Vascular and valvular calcification are significant contributors to cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Current therapeutic strategies for mitigating calcification in CKD patients remain uncertain and require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular and valvular calcification in CKD.
  • To examine the mechanisms of action for various therapeutic interventions.
  • To report recent outcomes from interventional studies on calcification attenuation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pathophysiological mechanisms.
  • Analysis of therapeutic intervention mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of findings from interventional studies.

Main Results:

  • Conventional therapies for CKD-mineral and bone disorder (MBD) have shown inconsistent results.
  • Magnesium and vitamin K supplementation may attenuate coronary artery calcification, but require further study.
  • Emerging strategies targeting hydroxyapatite formation (e.g., sodium thiosulphate, hexasodium fytate) show promise.
  • The serum calcification propensity assay (T50) shows potential for monitoring calcification risk.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advancements in understanding pathophysiology and promising therapeutic avenues, no medication is currently approved for treating vascular or valvular calcification or calciphylaxis in CKD.
  • Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools.
Abstract

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