PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - K Akat
AU  - M Borggrefe
AU  - J J Kaden
TI  - Aortic valve calcification: basic science to clinical practice
AID  - 10.1136/hrt.2007.134783
DP  - 2009 Apr 01
TA  - Heart
PG  - 616--623
VI  - 95
IP  - 8
4099  - http://heart.bmj.com/content/95/8/616.short
4100  - http://heart.bmj.com/content/95/8/616.full
SO  - Heart2009 Apr 01; 95
AB  - Calcific aortic valve stenosis is the result of regulated cell processes. The histological hallmarks are inflammation and a remodelling of the extracellular matrix leading to bone formation. In the last 15 years the view has changed from it being an unmodifiable degenerative disease to an active biological process regulated by highly conserved ubiquitous cellular pathways. Many mechanisms and risk factors are the same as in atherosclerosis. Thus, statins and angiotensin II antagonists seemed promising treatment options. However, clinical trials failed to support this. This review describes the current understanding of major molecular mechanisms and discusses their role in clinical practice and possible therapy.