Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Mechanisms in Aortic Valve Calcification: Increased Alkaline Phosphatase and Related Events

Transforming growth factor-β1 causes SAVIC to calcify due to an early maximal increase in alkaline phosphatase activity with associated apoptotic events and increased matrix metalloproteinase 9. These TGF-β1-related mechanistic events may be of clinical relevance based upon the gene expression pattern changes observed in calcific aortic stenosis valve cusps.