Long-Term Treatment of Azathioprine in Rats Induces Vessel Mineralization.

ABSTRACT: Medial vascular calcification (mVC) is closely related to cardiovascular disease, especially in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even after successful kidney transplantation, cardiovascular mortality remains increased. There is evidence that immunosuppressive drugs might influence pathophysiological mechanisms in the vessel wall. Previously, we have shown in vitro that mVC is induced in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) upon treatment with azathioprine (AZA). This effect was confirmed in the current study in an in vivo rat model treated with AZA for 24 weeks. The calcium content increased in the aortic tissue upon AZA treatment. The pathophysiologic mechanisms involve AZA catabolism to 6-thiouracil via xanthine oxidase (XO) with subsequent induction of oxidative str

SUBMITTER: Schuchardt M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8004774 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature