Inhibiting the Kv1.3 channel, a potassium channel expressed in tissues around the body, including vascular smooth muscle cells, may help prevent uremia-induced calcification in people with chronic kidney disease. The study is published ahead of print in the journal Function.
Uremia-induced calcification, the hardening of soft tissue caused by excess urea in the blood, can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease—including plaque formation in the arteries—associated with renal failure. Researchers found that blocking the Kv1.3 channel partially reverts uremia-related calcification in human aortic smooth muscle cells.
“These data highlight Kv1.3 channels as a new therapeutical target to prevent uremia-induced calcification associated [with chronic kidney disease]. Interestingly, this new target could also improve [chronic kidney disease]-associated cardiovascular disease, as Kv1.3 blockers are able to prevent intimal hyperplasia in human vessels,” the researchers wrote.
Read the full article, “Kv1.3 channel inhibition limits uremia-induced calcification in mouse and human vascular smooth muscle.” Contact the APS Communications Office to schedule an interview with the research team.
