Lysophosphatidylcholine activates the Akt pathway to upregulate extracellular matrix protein production in human aortic valve cells

LysoPC upregulates the production of biglycan and collagen I in human AVICs and may mediate the effect of oxLDL on ECM protein production. The Akt pathway appears to be critical in mediating the effect of LysoPC. oxLDL accumulation and generation of LysoPC in the aortic valve tissue may contribute to the mechanism of valvular sclerosis associated with the development and progression of aortic stenosis.