[Mechanism of arterial calcification with regards to atherosclerotic calcification and medial artery calcification].

Vascular calcification is a mechanism of active process, which includes inflammation and metabolism of bone formation. There are two different types of vascular calcification; atherosclerotic calcification and medial artery calcification. As seen in bone metabolism, vascular calcification is reported to be through enchondral ossification through BMP-2-Cbfa1 signal pathway, and through intramembranous ossification through BMP-2-Msx2 signal pathway. In the tissue of vascular calcification, several proteins which are related to bone and bone matrix metabolism have been shown to be present, such as bone morphogenic protein, osteoprotegerin, matrix gla protein, and osteopontin.