Molecular Mechanisms of Calcification in the Cardiovascular System

Dear Colleague,

Cardiovascular calcification is a highly prevalent finding that is associated with aging, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. When present, calcification of the cardiac, peripheral, or pulmonary vasculature or heart valves is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Although several mechanisms have been investigated, there is currently no known therapeutic intervention that successfully prevents or regresses established cardiovascular calcification. Furthermore, the molecular etiologies of vascular and valvular calcification remain incompletely characterized. The complexity of the molecular mechanisms that drive cardiovascular calcification is underscored by the participation of several cardiovascular and circulating cell types in calcification of vessels and valves; the involvement of numerous distinct cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy, extracellular vesicle generation, increased oxidant stress, inflammation, and lipid deposition; the balance between pro-calcification mediators and calcification inhibitors; and active remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Despite what is known to date, further work in the field is necessary to identify rational treatment targets and establish new therapeutics.

In this Special Issue of IJMS, molecular mechanisms of calcification in vessels in the coronary, peripheral, and pulmonary vascular beds as well as cardiac valves will be explored. The Special Issue will include studies performed using in vitro models, as well as preclinical, translational and clinical studies or reviews focused on molecular mechanisms of calcification. Novel methodological advances that facilitate studies of cardiovascular calcification will also be included.

Dr. Jane A. Leopold
Guest Editor

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