Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Apr 2015
Comparative StudyAdenosine derived from ecto-nucleotidases in calcific aortic valve disease promotes mineralization through A2a adenosine receptor.
In this study, we sought to determine the role of ecto-nucleotidases and adenosine receptors in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The expression of ecto-nucleotidases, which modify the levels of extracellular nucleotides/nucleosides, may control the mineralization of valve interstitial cells (VICs). We hypothesized that expression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1), which generates AMP, and 5'-nucleotidase (CD73), an enzyme using AMP as a substrate to produce adenosine, may co-regulate the mineralization of the aortic valve. ⋯ Expression of NPP1 and 5'-nucleotidase by VICs promotes the mineralization of the aortic valve through A2aR and a cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.