Phytate inhibits bovine pericardium calcification in vitro

ObjectiveThe present study examined the inhibitory effects of pyrophosphate, etidronate, and phytate on bovine pericardium calcification in vitro.MethodsBovine pericardium was glutaraldehyde fixed and then placed in a flow chamber in the presence of a synthetic physiological fluid alone (control) or the fluid plus various concentrations of pyrophosphate, etidronate, or phytate. Following a 96-h incubation, fragments were removed and assayed for calcification by measuring calcium and phosphorus levels.ResultsThe data indicated that both pyrophosphate and etidronate at 1 mg/l (5.75 and 4.95 μM, respectively) inhibited bovine pericardium calcification, whereas neither agent had an effect at 0.5 mg/l (2.87 and 2.47 μM, respectively). Phytate was the most potent inhibitor of calcification, and the effects of this agent were apparent at levels as low as 0.25 mg/l (0.39 μM).ConclusionsWhile pyrophosphate, etidronate, and phytate were all able to inhibit bovine pericardium calcification in vitro, phytate was found to be the most effective.