Can We Tackle with Vascular Calcification and Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and is attributed to early and accelerated atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis observed in this patient population. Vascular calcifications, particularly of the media, are commonly found in chronic uremia and are a major contributor to arteriosclerosis and increased arterial stiffness. Epidemiologic data support the correlation of vascular calcification and arterial stiffness to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. Experimental evidence has shed light on the pathogenetic mechanisms of vascular calcification and arterial stiffness and their relation to impaired bone metabolism and imbalance between promoters and inhibitors of extra-osseous bone formation. However further research is needed to clarify their exact contribution and whether their targeting could significantly affect vascular calcification and arterial stiffening and could improve survival in chronic kidney disease patients.