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Increasing evidence suggests a common physiological process for bone and coronary artery calcification (CAC), implying the role of bone metabolism markers in subclinical atherosclerosis development. However, the association between bone turnover markers and the development of CAC has remained controversial, as seen in various studies. Because CAC measurement has both financial burden and radiation exposure risk in individuals with suspected cardiovascular disease (CVD), applying the diagnostic role of osteogenic markers in predicting abnormal CAC would improve treatment adherence and reduce the rate of CVD mortality. In this review, we begin by describing the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bone markers in the etiology of CAC. Furthermore, we summarize bone-associated regulatory factors at the molecular level as novel therapeutic targets for CAC. In addition, we focused on the current results on the prognostic role of novel mediators of osteogenic activity in determining the risk of CAC as a preclinical factor of atherosclerotic CVD. Accumulating evidence suggests the role of bone marker-mediated pathways in the progression of CAC, which may lead to early diagnosis of CVD complications and the establishment of innovative targets for pharmacological therapy. Indeed, miRNAs and lncRNAs, as novel therapeutic interventions, can be a research priority in regulating bone metabolism at the gene expression level to attenuate high CAC and improve CVD outcomes.

Abstract Background While coronary artery calcification (CAC) is recognized as a reliable marker for coronary atherosclerosis, the relationship between the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence and progression of CAC remains controversial. Method PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies until October 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate pooled odd ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, considering heterogeneity among the studies. Results Out of the 2545 records, 42 cross-sectional and 9 cohort studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis on 12 eligible cross-sectional studies revealed no significant association between CAC and CRP [pooled OR: 1.03 (1.00, 1.06)]. Additionally, an insignificant association was found between CAC and CRP through meta-analysis on three eligible cohort studies [pooled OR: 1.05 (0.95, 1.15)] with no considerable heterogeneity across studies. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the meta-analysis models were robust. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion Based on the meta-analysis findings, elevated levels of CRP did not emerge as a valuable prognostic maker for CAC incidence and progression prediction.

Abstract Background Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a potential risk marker of coronary atherosclerosis that has high specificity and sensitivity. However, the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and CAC incidence and progression is controversial. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies up to March 2023 and assessed the methodological quality using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scale. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval considering heterogeneity across studies. Results Of the 2,411 records, 25 cross-sectional (n = 71,190) and 13 cohort (n = 25,442) studies were included in the systematic review. Ten cross-sectional and eight cohort studies were not eligible and were omitted from the meta-analysis. A total of 15 eligible cross-sectional studies (n = 33,913) were included in the meta-analysis and pooled results revealed no significant association between HDL-C and CAC > 0, CAC > 10, or CAC > 100 [pooled OR: 0.99 (0.97, 1.01)]. Meta-analysis of the 5 eligible prospective cohort studies (n = 10,721) revealed no significant protective effect of high HDL-C against CAC > 0 [pooled OR: 1.02 (0.93, 1.13)]. Conclusions According to this analysis of observational studies, high HDL-C levels were not found to predict protection against CAC. These results suggest HDL quality rather than HDL quantity is important for certain aspects of atherogenesis and CAC. Registration number CRD42021292077.

Objective: Portulaca oleracea, commonly known as Purslane, is traditionally used as a sour, diuretic, and cooling herb with hemostatic properties. The present study evaluates the antianemic effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. oleracea in a phenylhydrazine model of anemia.Materials and Methods: Phenylhydrazine (60 mg/kg/day, i.p., two consecutive days) was used to induce anemia in rats. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. oleracea were prepared, and three methods of treatment were defined with two doses (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.). The hematological parameters and blood cell morphology, total and direct bilirubin, and morphology, and pathology of bone marrow were evaluated.Results: The results showed that the methanolic extract has better effects than aqueous extract in improving phenylhydrazine-induced anemia. Our results showed that administration of 500 and 750 mg/kg of P. oleracea methanolic extracts for 4 days could protect against the development of anemia caused by phenylhydrazine.Conclusion: In summary, the methanolic extracts of P. oleracea might be effective in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia.