Inhibitors of vascular calcification in the development and prognosis of polyvascular disease

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17589
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53020:Cardiology-related
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Senda Keisuke 信州大学, 医学部附属病院, 特任研究員 (00794413)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 動脈硬化 / 血管石灰化 / 石灰化抑制因子 / 全身性動脈硬化疾患 / FGF-23 / Osteoprotegerin / Fetuin-A

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the association of Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Fetuin-A with polyvascular disease. FGF-23 was significantly correlated with coronary artery calcification and aortic calcification in particular, while OPG was a possible marker for early atherosclerosis. In addition, semiquantitative analysis of abdominal aortic calcification by radiographs could noninvasively predict coronary artery calcification, suggesting that it may be useful as a screening test for cardiovascular disease. Aortic valve calcification was not associated with vascular calcification or the above-mentioned calcification inhibitory factors, suggesting a different calcification mechanism.

Free Research Field

虚血性心疾患

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、石灰化抑制因子の血中濃度と全身の動脈の石灰化の関連を調査するため、冠動脈疾患患者の全身の血管スクリーニングを行い、相関があるかどうかを検証した。結果、FGF-23が動脈硬化疾患存在の優れた予測因子であることがわかった。今後さらに経過を追い心血管イベントと関連するかを検証すれば、予後予測も可能となり得る。その場合、予防的な抗血小板薬やスタチン製剤の使用、PやCaの管理などの積極的介入の意義につき、科学的基盤が確立できる。