ATHEROSCLEROTIC CALCIFICATION AS A HIDDEN SOURCE OF INFLAMMATION: PROTEIN KINASE Cα AND ϵ, ERK-1/2 AND NFκB SIGNALLING PATHWAYS MEDIATE CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE CRYSTAL INDUCED...

This article focuses on a study related to atherosclerotic calcification as a hidden source of inflammation. Within atherosclerotic lesions macrophages have been shown to colocalise with calcium hydroxyapatite (HAP) deposits. Several studies have also demonstrated that through the secretion of TNFα macrophages are also capable of inducing further calcification. Researchers are the first to report that HAP deposits within atherosclerotic lesions are likely to enhance atherogenesis and calcification through the release of macrophages.