Mineral surface in calcified plaque is like that of bone: further evidence for regulated mineralization.
OBJECTIVE
Cell biological studies demonstrate remarkable similarities between mineralization processes in bone and vasculature, but knowledge of the components acting to initiate mineralization in atherosclerosis is limited. The molecular level microenvironment at the organic-inorganic interface holds a record of the mechanisms controlling mineral nucleation. This study was undertaken to compare the poorly understood interface in mineralized plaque with that of bone, which is considerably better characterized.


RESULTS
Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy provides powerful tools for studying the organic-inorganic interface in calcium phosphate biominerals. The rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) technique, applied to calcified human plaque, shows that this interface predominantly comprises sugars, most likely glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In this respect, and in the pattern of secondary effects seen to protein (mainly collagen), calcified plaque strongly resembles bone.


CONCLUSIONS
The similarity between biomineral formed under highly controlled (bone) and pathological (plaque) conditions suggests that the control mechanisms are more similar than previously thought, and may be adaptive. It is strong further evidence for regulation of plaque mineralization by osteo/chondrocytic vascular smooth muscle cells.
Duer
Melinda J
MJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. mjd13@cam.ac.uk
Friscić
Tomislav
T
Proudfoot
Diane
D
Reid
David G
DG
Schoppet
Michael
M
Shanahan
Catherine M
CM
Skepper
Jeremy N
JN
Wise
Erica R
ER
D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D003460:Crystallization; D017886:Durapatite / Q000032:analysis; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D033362:Powder Diffraction; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D003094:Collagen; D017886:Durapatite