ACAR · Arterial Calcification & Arterial Regeneration ‘ACAR’

Arterial calcification is a morbid complication of inflammatory disease causing calcium deposition along arterial walls. Sheer stresses on cellular components affect regenerative capabilities of specific cells, culminating in vessel constriction, compromised wall elasticity and reduced blood flow. The net effect of restricted blood flow is debilitating and can cause cardiovascular disease, end stage renal disease or peripheral arterial disease. Animal models have uncovered biomarkers involved in calcification however little is known in humans. Therefore we will investigate two calcification mechanisms believed to play a role