DIFFERENTIAL OSTEOGENIC MARKER EXPRESSION BY HUMAN VASCULAR AND VALVULAR CELLS IN TISSUE-ENGINEERED COLLAGEN CONSTRUCTS

摘要

Our results indicate that cell mediated differences do exist in vascular vs. valvular calcification, where some marker expression is elevated in vascular as compared to valvular cells. Some osteogenic markers such as ALP and MGP also respond differently to the mechanical environment, suggesting that altered mechanical environment might play a role in calcification. Further investigation on these cell types and the contributions of mechanical environment on calcification would provide more information on the similarities and differences in vascular and valvular calcification.