Vitamin D Receptor From VSMCs Regulates Vascular Calcification During CKD: A Potential Role for miR-145a.

Background: Vascular calcification (VC) is a highly prevalent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with the higher morbidity-mortality of patients with CKD. VDR (vitamin D receptor) has been proposed to play a role in the osteoblastic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the involvement of vitamin D in VC associated to CKD is controversial. Our aim was to determine the role of local vitamin D signaling in VSMCs during CKD-induced VC.

Cumulative tobacco consumption has a dose-dependent effect on atheromatosis burden and improves severe atheromatosis prediction in asymptomatic middle-aged individuals: The ILERVAS study.

Background And Aims: Sex-specific impact of cumulative tobacco consumption (CTC) on atheromatosis extension and total plaque area remains unknown. We aimed to determine the impact of CTC in atheromatosis localization and burden.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 8330 asymptomatic middle-aged individuals.

Development and Validation of a Personalized, Sex-Specific Prediction Algorithm of Severe Atheromatosis in Middle-Aged Asymptomatic Individuals: The ILERVAS Study.

Background: Although European guidelines recommend vascular ultrasound for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in low-to-moderate risk individuals, no algorithm properly identifies patients who could benefit from it. The aim of this study is to develop a sex-specific algorithm to identify those patients, especially women who are usually underdiagnosed.

Methods: Clinical, anthropometrical, and biochemical data were combined with a 12-territory vascular ultrasound to predict severe atheromatosis (SA: ≥ 3 territories with plaque).

Magnesium Levels Modify the Effect of Lipid Parameters on Carotid Intima Media Thickness.

Classical risk factors of atherosclerosis in the general population show paradoxical effects in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Thus, low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels have been associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Magnesium (Mg) is a divalent cation whose homeostasis is altered in CKD.