Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system

In the cardiovascular system, elastic fibres exert a fundamental role providing the long-range elasticity required for physiological functions. Elastic fibres are complex in composition and structure containing, in addition to elastin, a wide range of matrix components, such as microfibrillar protei...

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Main Authors: Francesco Demetrio Lofaro, Alessia Mazzilli, Susanna Bonacorsi, Daniela Quaglino, Federica Boraldi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1636812/full
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author Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
Alessia Mazzilli
Susanna Bonacorsi
Daniela Quaglino
Federica Boraldi
author_facet Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
Alessia Mazzilli
Susanna Bonacorsi
Daniela Quaglino
Federica Boraldi
author_sort Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
collection DOAJ
description In the cardiovascular system, elastic fibres exert a fundamental role providing the long-range elasticity required for physiological functions. Elastic fibres are complex in composition and structure containing, in addition to elastin, a wide range of matrix components, such as microfibrillar proteins, calcium-binding proteins and glycosaminoglycans. Changes in composition and/or structure can affect the biomechanics of the tissue as well as the intrinsic affinity of elastin for Ca2+ ions. Mineralization of elastic fibres can occur in genetic as well as in age-related chronic diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, for instance, calcification represents an integral part of the pathogenetic process, although the regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Therefore, a focus is given on elastin synthesis and assembly, on elastic fibre components and on elastin degradation. Moreover, the role and the impact of altered composition and supramolecular organization of elastic fibres are described in the context of the calcified cardiovascular system. Finally, some in vitro and in vivo models of elastic fibres calcification are presented and discussed.
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institution Kabale University
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publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
spelling doaj-art-c01cbe671ece4d36985b647ed89ab7d82025-08-25T05:26:25ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine2297-055X2025-08-011210.3389/fcvm.2025.16368121636812Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular systemFrancesco Demetrio LofaroAlessia MazzilliSusanna BonacorsiDaniela QuaglinoFederica BoraldiIn the cardiovascular system, elastic fibres exert a fundamental role providing the long-range elasticity required for physiological functions. Elastic fibres are complex in composition and structure containing, in addition to elastin, a wide range of matrix components, such as microfibrillar proteins, calcium-binding proteins and glycosaminoglycans. Changes in composition and/or structure can affect the biomechanics of the tissue as well as the intrinsic affinity of elastin for Ca2+ ions. Mineralization of elastic fibres can occur in genetic as well as in age-related chronic diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, for instance, calcification represents an integral part of the pathogenetic process, although the regulatory mechanisms are not completely understood. Therefore, a focus is given on elastin synthesis and assembly, on elastic fibre components and on elastin degradation. Moreover, the role and the impact of altered composition and supramolecular organization of elastic fibres are described in the context of the calcified cardiovascular system. Finally, some in vitro and in vivo models of elastic fibres calcification are presented and discussed.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1636812/fullelastic fibremineralizationelastocalcinosiscardiovascular systemextracellular matrixcalcification models
spellingShingle Francesco Demetrio Lofaro
Alessia Mazzilli
Susanna Bonacorsi
Daniela Quaglino
Federica Boraldi
Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
elastic fibre
mineralization
elastocalcinosis
cardiovascular system
extracellular matrix
calcification models
title Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
title_full Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
title_fullStr Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
title_full_unstemmed Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
title_short Calcification of the elastic component: the impact on the cardiovascular system
title_sort calcification of the elastic component the impact on the cardiovascular system
topic elastic fibre
mineralization
elastocalcinosis
cardiovascular system
extracellular matrix
calcification models
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1636812/full
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