Abstract
Vascular calcification is a leading
indicator of heart morbidity and mortality. It is the formation of bone-like
material in blood vessel walls. It is often linked to diseases such as
atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, hypertension, inflammation,
diabetes, end-stage renal disease, various nutrient deficiencies and many more.
Addressing vascular calcification is important because it reduces vascular wall
elasticity and promotes atherosclerotic plaque rupture which often results in
heart attacks and stroke. Vascular calcification can occur passively due to
aging or by active processes. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) can be modulated to express
osteogenic proteins which deposit a mineralized bone-like matrix. SMC-induced
calcification includes calcifying extra-cellular vesicles (EVs) that bind
calcium and generate free phosphate allowing for bone-like material to form in
the arterial wall. Calcifying EV formation in SMCs requires trafficking
mechanisms. Regulating these trafficking mechanisms is the focus of treating
vascular calcification. Treatment for vascular calcification would
significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes, especially in high-risk
populations.FIU
scientists are developing compounds, compositions, and methods for treating, preventing,
or ameliorating vascular calcification, and disease associated with vascular
calcification. The methods involve the activation of a relaxin family peptide
receptor (RXFP) and/or the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGFR). The combination of one or more compounds– RXFP agonists and/or
EGFR inhibitors– affect and control the mechanism by which extracellular
vesicles (EVs) in SMCs become activated to cause vascular calcification.
Benefit
Treatment with relaxin improved arterial compliance in hypertensive animal modelsRelaxin induces vasodilation increasing blood flow impeded by the atherosclerotic plaque or by the bone-like depositsEffective modulation of the relaxin pathway provides regulation of tissue homeostasis and inflammationRXFP compound agonists provide an economic alternative to relaxin peptides addressing stability, availability, and delivery issues
Market Application
Treatment of fibrosis in kidney, liver, heart, vasculature, and other organsPrevention of vascular calcification for high-risk populations with chronic kidney disease Treatment of medial vascular calcification or intimal atherosclerotic calcification
Brochure
