Harmful effects of the azathioprine metabolite 6-mercaptopurine in vascular cells: induction of mineralization.

ABSTRACT: Vascular mineralization contributes to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease and in individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation. The immunosuppressive regimen used to treat these patients appears to have an impact on vascular alterations. The effect of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) on vascular calcification has not yet been determined. This study investigates the effect of 6-MP on vascular mineralization by the induction of trans-differentiation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. 6-MP not only induces the expression of osteo-chondrocyte-like transcription factors and proteins but also activates alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity and produces calcium deposition in in vitro and ex vivo models. These processes

SUBMITTER: Prufer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4100760 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature