Statin Effects on Vascular Calcification: Microarchitectural Changes in Aortic Calcium Deposits in Aged Hyperlipidemic Mice.

[Figure: see text].

Serotonin receptor type 2B activation augments TNF-α-induced matrix mineralization in murine valvular interstitial cells.

Calcification, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation are the predominant features of calcific aortic valve disease, a life-threatening condition. Drugs that induce serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) are known to damage valves, and activated platelets, which carry peripheral serotonin, are known to promote calcific aortic valve stenosis. However, the role of 5-HT in valve leaflet pathology is not known.