Calcified aortic valve (AV) cusps have increased expression of bone morphogenic proteins
(BMPs) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Elevated stretch loading on the AV is …

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsins are proteolytic enzymes that are
upregulated in diseased aortic valve cusps. The objective of this study was to investigate …

Aortic valve (AV) disease is often characterized by the formation of calcific nodules within AV
leaflets that alter functional biomechanics. In vitro, formation of these nodules is associated …

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) results in impaired function through the inability of
valves to fully open and close, but the causes of this pathology are unknown. Stiffening of …

Abstract Aims Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is a hallmark of several cardiovascular
conditions ranging from chronic heart failure and myocardial infarction to calcific aortic valve …

Background: Aortic valve calcification is an active proliferative process, where interstitial
cells of the valve transform into either myofibroblasts or osteoblast-like cells causing valve …

Aortic valve interstitial cells (VIC) can exhibit phenotypic characteristics of fibroblasts,
myofibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. Others have proposed that valve cells become …

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common form of heart valve disease in
Western society and results in the second most common cardiovascular surgery performed …

Objective—Extensive remodeling of the valve ECM in calcific aortic valve sclerosis alters its
mechanical properties, but little is known about the impact of matrix mechanics on the cells …

BACKGROUND: Phenotypically, aortic valve interstitial cells are dynamic myofibroblasts,
appearing contractile and activated in times of development, disease, and remodeling. The …