Abstract
Introduction: Calcification is a highly relevant process in terms of development of cardiovascular diseases, and its prevention may be the key to prevent disease progression in patients. In this study we investigated the expression of osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OPN) and RUNX2 in patients’ leukocytes and their possible role as diagnostic markers for cardiovascular diseases. Materials and Methods: Leucocytes from 38 patients were collected in the Department of Surgery of Martin-Luther-University Halle, including 8 patients without arteriosclerotic disease (PAD−) and 30 patients with symptomatic arteriosclerotic disease (PAD+). Patients’ leucocytes, in vitro calcified human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were subjected to qPCR analyses with TaqMan probes, which are specific for OC, OPN and RUNX2. Additionally, the interaction between monocytes and calcified HUVEC and VSMC was investigated in adhesion assays. Results: The leucocytes obtained from patients with symptomatic arteriosclerotic disease (PAD+) demonstrated decreased mRNA level expression of Osteocalcin, while OPN and RUNX2 were significantly upregulated in comparison to asymptomatic patients. The induction of calcification in HUVEC and VSMC cells led to an increased expression of OC, OPN and RUNX2. Immunocytochemistry of calcified HUVEC and VSMC revealed stronger expression of OC, OPN and RUNX2 in calcified cells. Conclusion: To conclude, these data demonstrate that symptomatic arteriosclerotic disease has a correlation with OC, OPN and RUNX2. The biological rationale of OC, OPN and RUNX-2 remains not yet entirely understood for atherosclerotic disease, which means it needs further investigation.