Jonas Engeßer, Philipp Gregor Albert, Matthias Scheuch, Norina Loth, Sylvia Stracke
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease, ultimately leading to high morbidity and cardiovascular mortality. In this study, we investigated the effects of the calcimimetic R568 in an in vitro model of human vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification. Methods: Human VSMCs were cultured under elevated calcium (2.4 mmol/L) and phosphate (2.7 mmol/L) concentrations. Calcification was analyzed using von Kossa staining and colorimetric calcium measurement. Intracellular signaling was examined via Western blot, and apoptosis was assessed by the TUNEL assay. Results: Treatment with R568 significantly reduced VC over the 9-day treatment period. R568 treatment led to increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2) compared to the control group. Calcimimetic treatment was also associated with a reduction in apoptosis. Blocking ERK 1/2 phosphorylation completely abolished the inhibitory effects of R568 on VC. Conclusion: Our study provides new insights into the mechanism of action of calcimimetics during VC and highlights the importance of ERK 1/2 signaling in this process.
期刊介绍:
International Journal of Nephrology is a peer-reviewed, Open Access journal that publishes original research articles, review articles, and clinical studies focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of kidney diseases and associated disorders. The journal welcomes submissions related to cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, pathology, pathophysiology of renal disease and progression, clinical nephrology, dialysis, and transplantation.