Distribution of selected elements in calcific human aortic valves studied by Microscopy combined with SR-mu XRF: Influence of lipids on progression of calcification

作者：Lis Grzegorz J^*; Czapla Masztafiak Joanna; Kwiatek Wojciech M; Gajda Mariusz; Jasek Ewa; Jasinska Malgorzata; Czubek Urszula; Borchert Manuela; Appel Karen; Nessler Jadwiga; Sadowski Jerzy; Litwin Jan A

来源：Micron, 2014, 67: 141-148.

DOI：10.1016/j.micron.2014.08.002

• Aortic valve
• Elemental composition
• Lipids
• Calcification
• Synchrotron radiation mu X-ray fluorescence
• Histology

Calcified heart valves display a significant imbalance in tissue content of trace and essential elements. The valvular calcification is an age-related process and there are data suggesting involvement of lipids. We studied elemental composition and lipid distribution in three distinct regions of calcified human aortic valves, representing successive stages of the calcific degeneration: normal, thickened (early lesion) and calcified (late lesion), using SR-mu XRF (Synchrotron Radiation Micro X-Ray Fluorescence) for elemental composition and Oil Red O (ORO) staining for demonstration of lipids. Two-dimensional SR-mu XRF maps and precise point spectra were compared with histological stainings on consecutive valve sections to prove topographical localization and colocalization of the examined elements and lipids. In calcified valve areas, accumulation of calcium and phosphorus was accompanied by enhanced concentrations of strontium and zinc. Calcifications preferentially developed in lipid-rich areas of the valves. Calcium concentration ratio between lipid-rich and lipid-free areas was not age-dependent in early lesions, but showed a significant increase with age in late lesions, indicating age-dependent intensification of lipid involvement in calcification process. The results suggest that mechanisms of calcification change with progression of valve degeneration and with age.

• 出版日期2014-12