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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro
Published on: May 10, 2021
Metabolic Drivers of Valve Calcification and Atrial Remodeling in Calcific Aortic Stenosis
Simina Mariana Moroz1,2, Alina Gabriela Negru3,4,5, Silvia Luca3,4,5
1Center for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Pathology and Hemostaseology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania.
Insights
Aortic stenosis (AS) is an active metabolic disorder, not just passive degeneration. New insights into metabolic pathways and biomarkers may improve risk stratification for aortic stenosis and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease, traditionally viewed as degenerative.
- Emerging evidence indicates AS is an active metabolic and inflammatory disorder.
- Atrial remodeling is a key feature associated with AS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review metabolic mechanisms linking valvular calcification and atrial remodeling in AS.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of these mechanisms in the context of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
- To explore the potential of metabolomic profiling for risk stratification in AS and TAVR.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of experimental, translational, and clinical evidence (2015-2025).
- Synthesis of data on classical and emerging metabolic pathways in AS.
- Review of metabolomic signatures related to AS severity and TAVR outcomes.
Main Results:
- Classical pathways (mineral metabolism, vitamin signaling) and emerging roles (lipid oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetics, gut microbiome) are implicated in AS.
- Metabolomic signatures are associated with AS severity and TAVR outcomes, though often correlative.
- Metabolic insights offer potential for improved risk stratification and mechanistic understanding.
Conclusions:
- AS is an active metabolic disorder involving valvular calcification and atrial remodeling.
- Metabolomic profiling shows promise for clinical integration in AS and TAVR pathways, particularly for pre-procedural risk stratification.
- Future research should focus on translating molecular biomarkers into diagnostics and targeted interventions.
Abstract:
AS, one of the most common forms of valvular heart disease, requiring intervention in aging populations in Europe and North America, has traditionally been viewed as a passive, degenerative condition. However, growing evidence supports a paradigm shift toward recognizing AS as an active metabolic and inflammatory disorder. This narrative review synthesizes experimental, translational, and clinical evidence published between 2015 and 2025 examining metabolic mechanisms linking valvular calcification and atrial remodeling in AS and discusses their clinical relevance in the context of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We discussed classical pathways involving mineral metabolism and vitamin signaling, alongside emerging roles of lipid oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic regulation, and gut microbiome-derived metabolites. Further, metabolomic signatures associated with disease severity and post-TAVR outcomes were reviewed, highlighting the predominantly associative nature and current limitations of these data. Although valve replacement remains the only effective therapy for advanced AS, metabolic and multi-omics insights may improve future risk stratification and mechanistic understanding. Metabolomic profiling could be integrated at multiple points in the clinical pathway for aortic stenosis and TAVR-most promisingly for pre-procedural risk stratification. The present paper focuses on an integrative framework in which valvular calcification and atrial remodeling are viewed within a broader context of metabolic dysregulation. Future research should aim to translate molecular biomarkers into real-world diagnostics and targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

