Mechanisms of ectopic calcification of the coronary arteries: role of genetic factors, inflammation and carbohydraten metabolism disorders

The issues of ectopic coronary artery calcification (ECC) attract the attention of researchers. Calcium deposition in atherosclerotic plaques poses the problem of choosing a revascularization method for cardiovascular surgeons, namely, choosing an anastomosis fixation point when performing aortocoronary bypass grafting (ACB). Patients with ectopic calcium deposits in the coronary vessels are most often defined as a group of very high cardiovascular risk, in this regard, the use of drugs capable of influencing the formation of calcinates in the coronary arteries is actively discussed. In most publications, the authors discuss the mechanisms of formation and the search for markers of coronary calcification. Opinions that CAC is the final stage of the atherosclerotic process are divided. Currently, a number of researchers consider the process of CAC formation as active with the involvement of inflammatory mechanisms. Evidence of this is an increase in the content of proinflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein. Active systemic inflammation against the background of atherosclerotic lesions of the arterial walls leads to the development of fibrosis and calcification of the intercellular substance of the arterial wall. Publications available to date show that the development of CAC may be due to genetic predisposition, but genetic markers have not yet been clearly defined, so their search can help to uncover the mechanisms of ectopic calcification. The review presents literature data on the study of the mechanisms of CAC.