title: Ectopic calcification in diabetic vascular disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cardiovascular diseases represent over one-half of all deaths in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In diabetic patients, vascular calcifications are more frequently observed than in people without diabetes. In particular, elevated degrees of coronary artery and valvular calcifications are reported in populations with diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We will present and discuss findings from clinical and basic science studies that investigate the pathophysiological processes leading to exaggerated arterial/valve calcification in diabetic patients. We will also illustrate the likely effects of the current therapies on vascular calcification progression in diabetic patients. A special focus will be dedicated to the contribution of resident/circulating calcifying cells to the calcific processes observed under diabetic conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interest in the topic of ectopic calcification in diabetic vascular disease is expanding and more knowledge is adding on its mechanisms and consequences. Importantly, new therapeutic targets are emerging, implying possible future chances to modulate vascular calcification for cardiovascular protection.
authors.affiliation: University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism , Via Giustiniani, 2, 35100 Padova , Italy +39 049 8212178 ; +39 049 8212184 ; angelo.avogaro@unipd.it.
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avogaro
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rattazzi
authors.forename: Gian Paolo
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Fadini
mesh_terms: D057912:Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D015897:Comorbidity; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000473:pathology*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000453:epidemiology; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000453:epidemiology; D051379:Mice; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000473:pathology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D058226:Plaque, Atherosclerotic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D019379:Teriparatide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000473:pathology; D061205:Vascular Calcification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D057912:Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Blockers; D002118:Calcium; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010710:Phosphates; D019379:Teriparatide; D014807:Vitamin D