Osteoprotegerin Inhibits Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cellvia Down Regulation of the Notch1-RBP-Jκ/Msx2 Signaling Pathway

摘要

ObjectiveVascular calcification is a common pathobiological process which occurs among the elder population and in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Osteoprotegerin, a secreted glycoprotein that regulates bone mass, has recently emerged as an important regulator of the development of vascular calcification. However, the mechanism is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to explore novel signaling mechanisms of osteoprotegerin in the osteoblastic differentiation in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).