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[A study of aortic calcification uremia]
1Dialysis Unit, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
Insights
Uremic patients exhibit increased aortic calcification, linked to age and serum calcium-phosphate products. Calcium antagonists and magnesium may prevent its progression in uremia.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Uremia is associated with vascular calcification, a significant complication.
- Aortic calcification is a marker of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between aortic calcification and uremia-related factors.
- To explore the potential protective effects of calcium antagonists and magnesium on aortic calcification in uremic models.
Summary:
- Aortic calcification was assessed in hemodialyzed patients and uremic rats treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
- Hemodialyzed patients showed higher aortic calcification, correlated with age and serum calcium-x-phosphate (Ca x P) product.
- In rats, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exacerbated aortic calcification, while calcium antagonists and magnesium mitigated this effect.
Impact:
- Serum Ca x P product is identified as a promoter of aortic calcification in uremia.
- Calcium antagonists and magnesium show potential as therapeutic agents to inhibit aortic calcification progression in uremic individuals.
Abstract:
For the purpose of clarifying the relationship between aortic calcification and several factors associated with uremia, aortic calcification was estimated in autopsied uremic patients as well as in uremic rats treated in 1, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1, 25D). Aortic calcification was evaluated by radiographic, pathologic and chemical studies in 28 patients on long-term homodialysis and in 11 non-uremic autopsied subjects as controls. Chest or abdominal X-ray showed the presence of aortic calcification in 48% of the hemodialyzed patients and 9% of the control subjects. Von Kossa staining of the aorta revealed positive tissue calcification in 43% of the hemodialyzed patients and in 18% of the control subjects. Calcium content of the aorta was increased in the hemodialyzed patients compared with the control subjects. Findings of aortic calcification in the hemodialyzed patients were correlated with their age and serum Ca x P products. In uremic rats, administration of 1, 25D increased serum Ca x P products and the calcium content of the aorta. On the other hand, treatment with Ca antagonist or magnesium inhibited elevation of the calcium content of the aorta induced by 1, 25D in the uremic rats. These results suggest that serum Ca x P product is a factor promoting aortic calcification and that calcium antagonist and magnesium may protect from the progression of aortic calcification in uremia.