Active involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) and its composition regulating factors may have a central role in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Thrombospondins (TSPs) are highly conserved matricellular proteins regulating inflammation, angiogenesis and ECM remodeling. These processes are strongly associated with progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, the expression of TSPs in CAVD is not known.
Active involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) and its composition regulating factors may have a central role in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). Thrombospondins (TSPs) are highly conserved matricellular proteins regulating inflammation, angiogenesis and ECM remodeling. These processes are strongly associated with progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, the expression of TSPs in CAVD is not known.