Publications by authors named "Violeta Cazana-Perez"

Unlabelled: Endothelial mechanics control vascular reactivity and are regulated by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and its downstream target, the epithelial Na channel (ENaC). Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its mechanisms are poorly understood. We hypothesized that CKD disrupts endothelial mechanics in an MR/ENaC-dependent process.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases cardiovascular risk. In advanced CKD stages, accumulation of toxic circulating metabolites and mineral metabolism alterations triggers vascular calcification, characterized by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) transdifferentiation and loss of the contractile phenotype. Phenotypic modulation of VSMC occurs with significant changes in gene expression.

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Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a markedly increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The high concentration of circulating uremic toxins and alterations in mineral metabolism and hormone levels produce vascular wall remodeling and significant vascular damage. Medial calcification is an early vascular event in CKD patients and is associated to apoptosis or necrosis and trans-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to an osteogenic phenotype.

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In chronic kidney disease patients, active vitamin D level progressively declines in the course of the disease. This phenomenon is accompanied by elevation of parathyroid hormone, resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), increased phosphorus levels, and hypocalcemia. All these disorders are associated with high rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these patients.

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Background: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 levels have been associated with impaired vasoreactivity, increased arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular morbi-mortality, whereas a protective function of KLOTHO against endothelial dysfunction has been reported. Since expression of the FGF23-KLOTHO system in human vascular tissue remains unproved, we aimed to study the expression of FGF23, FGF receptors (FGFR) and KLOTHO in human aorta. In addition, we analyzed the FGF23-KLOTHO expression in occlusive coronary thrombi.

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Background And Objectives: Hyperphosphatemia and subclinical endotoxemia are important sources of inflammation in HD. Proinflammatory cytokines are strong correlates of soluble CD14 (sCD14) concentrations, an independent predictor of mortality in this population. We evaluated the effects of calcium acetate and sevelamer hydrochloride on serum inflammatory profile, endotoxin concentrations, and sCD14 levels in HD patients.

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