LĖTINE INKSTŲ LIGA SERGANČIŲ VAIKŲ KRAUJAGYSLIŲ KALCIFIKACIJA IR KALCIFIKACIJOS PROFILAKTIKA
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributing factor of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Increased burden of CVD is partly due to damage to the arterial vessels by the uremic environment. Purpose of this article is to outline main calcification mechanism taking place and address each of the occurring biochemical and mineral imbalances in CKD population. In end stage renal disease (ESRD) calcification promoters and inhibitors intertwine with each other resulting in vascular calcification, a subject of great complexity. Vascular calcification share many similarities to bone ossification and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are crucial to the process. Steps to undergo osteochondrocytic conversion are explained as well as biomarkers possibly postponing or reversing the process. Data from clinical trials, animal model in in vivo and ex vivo human vessel models are used to represent vascular calcification and it’s contributing factors.