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Updated: May 29, 2026

Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models
09:01

Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Published on: January 27, 2023

Novel mechanisms and emerging therapeutic strategies in vascular calcification

Hui Li1, Kai Zhang2, Nan Chen1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Hefei, 230001, China; Graduate School, Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241002, China.

European Journal of Pharmacology
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vascular calcification, driven by cell changes and communication, leads to cardiovascular disease. New therapies targeting these mechanisms offer hope for effective interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cellular Mechanisms
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Vascular calcification is a major contributor to cardiovascular mortality, linked to aging, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes.
  • It involves the osteogenic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
  • Understanding the complex mechanisms driving this process is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the interconnected mechanisms of vascular calcification.
  • To highlight emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.
  • To discuss translational challenges and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on vascular calcification mechanisms.
  • Analysis of metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and epigenetic factors.
  • Evaluation of intercellular communication pathways, including extracellular vesicles and endothelial-VSMC crosstalk.

Main Results:

  • Vascular calcification involves metabolic shifts, mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, and epigenetic changes.
  • Intercellular communication, particularly through extracellular vesicles, amplifies pathological processes.
  • Emerging therapies include molecular glues, targeted protein degradation, ferroptosis inhibitors, and gene editing.

Conclusions:

  • Vascular calcification is a complex, self-perpetuating pathological network.
  • Targeting metabolic, mitochondrial, epigenetic, and intercellular pathways offers therapeutic potential.
  • Investigational agents and multi-targeted interventions show promise for future treatments.
Keywords:
Epigenetic regulationFerroptosisIntercellular communicationMetabolic reprogrammingTherapeutic strategiesVascular calcification

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