FAM19A5 in vascular aging and osteoporosis: Mechanisms and the "calcification paradox"
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Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Jin Zheng1, Jieyu He2, Huahua Li1
1Department of Geriatrics, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Aging induces a progressive decline in the vasculature's structure and function. Vascular aging is a determinant factor for vascular ailments in the elderly. FAM19A5, a recently identified adipokine, has demonstrated involvement in multiple vascular aging-related pathologies, including atherosclerosis, cardio-cerebral vascular diseases and cognitive deficits. This review summarizes the current understanding of FAM19A5' role and explores its putative regulatory mechanisms in various aging-related disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and malignancies. Importantly, we provide novel insights into the underlying therapeutic value of FAM19A5 in osteoporosis. Finally, we outline future perspectives on the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of FAM19A5 in vascular aging-related diseases.
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