Key words: smooth muscle cell, vascular calcification, vascular remodelling, blood vessels

"Key role for VSMCs in vascular remodeling and calcification"

This research shows that cardiovascular diseases, such as vascular calcification and thrombosis, should be addressed and treated differently. Instead of the regular treatment of symptoms (i.e. lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels) the underlying cause should be further investigated. This research looked at the effects of the vascular wall in the onset of these diseases. The assumption is that the vascular wall changes prior to the cardiovascular diseases developing. In this research, new models were developed with which we can look at these vascular wall changes before the cardiovascular diseases appear. Clinically this is extremely relevant because the tide can still be turned and it leads to new insights in how these vascular wall changes cause cardiovascular diseases.

Financed by the Netherlands Thrombosis Foundation