Fetuin-mineral complex: A new potential biomarker for vascular calcification

Abstract

Vascular calcification is prevalent in dialysis patients and is associated with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. Fetuin-A is a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification, but the precise mechanism by which it mediates vascular calcification in uremia is unclear. Matsui and colleagues demonstrate that circulating fetuin-A forms fetuin-mineral complex in the serum of uremic rats and thereby inhibits vascular calcification. This suggests that fetuin-mineral complex may reflect extraosseous calcification stress, opening new perspectives on vascular calcification in uremia. © 2009 International Society of Nephrology.