Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
Francesco Demetrio Lofaro1, Alessia Mazzilli1, Susanna Bonacorsi1
1Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
None:
In the cardiovascular system, elastic fibres exert a fundamental role providing the long-range elasticity required for physiological functions. Elastic fibres are complex in composition and structure containing, in addition to elastin, a wide range of matrix components, such as microfibrillar proteins, calcium-binding proteins and glycosaminoglycans. Changes in composition and/or structure can affect the biomechanics of the tissue as well as the intrinsic affinity of elastin for Ca2+ ions. Mineralization of elastic fibres can occur in genetic as well as in age-related chronic diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, for instance, calcification represents an integral part of the pathogenetic process, although the regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Therefore, a focus is given on elastin synthesis and assembly, on elastic fibre components and on elastin degradation. Moreover, the role and the impact of altered composition and supramolecular organization of elastic fibres are described in the context of the calcified cardiovascular system. Finally, some in vitro and in vivo models of elastic fibres calcification are presented and discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Elastin is Responsible for Tissue Elasticity
Ligaments and tendons are made of dense regular connective tissue, but in ligaments not all fibers are parallel. Dense regular elastic tissue contains elastin fibers and...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Extracellular Matrix

