Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease characterized by significantly narrowed arteries, leading to reduced blood circulation in the coronary arteries and lower limbs. It involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, collectively known as plaque. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vascular and cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and coronary artery disease, with vascular calcification playing a key role.

Vascular calcification, which affects coronary and peripheral arteries, involves calcium deposition in the blood vessel walls. This process increases arterial stiffness and contributes to the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into osteoblast-like cells. As part of atherosclerosis—a chronic inflammatory condition—vascular calcification is linked to common risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, aging, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco use.

Diagnosis typically involves radiology and CT imaging. However, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-1β, IL-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) are often associated with the presence and severity of vascular calcification, particularly in the coronary arteries and aorta.

This collection focuses on various methods and techniques for studying vascular calcification. Examples include histological staining (e.g., Hematoxylin and Eosin, Alizarin Red), immunofluorescence, and the use of atherosclerotic or diabetic animal models to investigate coronary artery calcification (CAC) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

We aim to consolidate state-of-the-art methodologies to support continued advancement in this vital field.