The Role Of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-2 In Vascular Calcification Mechanisms

Background:Recent studies suggest that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a transforming growth factor-β_superfamily member cytokine, plays an important role both in vascular development and pathophysiological processes,including endothelial activation that is likely to contribute to the development of coronary atherosclerosis, Mice genetically engineered to be deficient in BMP-2 die between days 7 and 10 of gestation of cardiac defects before boneformation,which suggest the significant importance in vascular development.Calcification is commonly found in atherosclerosis and recognized as a marker of atherosclerotic plaque burden as well as a major contributor to loss of arterial compliance and increased pulse pressure seen with age , Its presence is also a strong indicator of chronic inflammatory disease, usually atherosclerosis, and its extent directly relates to the overall burden of atherosclerotic disease.Evidence indicates that proteins controlling bone mineralization are also involved in the regulation of vascular calcification. Artery wall cells...