Pathophysiological and Genetic Aspects of Vascular Calcification

Figure 1

Pathophysiological mechanisms which promote cellular differentiation and vascular calcification. AGEs, advanced glycation end products; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; Runx2, runt-related transcription factor 2; Msx2, msh homeobox 2; IL-1β, interleukin-1beta; IL-6, interleukin-6; TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; RANK, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B; RANKL, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand; ECM, extracellular matrix; OPG, osteoprotegerin; MGP, matrix gla protein; TNALP, tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase.