Honors Theses

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Department

Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major

Biomedical Engineering

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a worldwide epidemic. As the leading cause of death across the world, many researchers are working to better understand the causes and mechanisms resulting in the disease [1]. One of the predictors of and contributors to cardiovascular mortalities is vascular calcification, the buildup of hydroxyapatite deposits within the arterial wall. The mineral deposition can occur in either the intimal or medial layers of the arteries; the location depends upon the causative factors and can create different effects within the body [2]. Conditions conductive of calcification include but are not limited to hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia, and mechanical stress which induce changes to the arteries on a cellular level. Medial calcification, which occurs within the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) lining the arterial wall, has been linked to hypertension, stiffness, and increased risk of heart failure [3]. The goal of this thesis is to better understand the role that VSMCs play in medial vascular calcification. To accomplish this goal, the first objective is to provide an extensive literature review on the subject. The second objective is to observe these finding firsthand by culturing VSMCs to induce calcification.

Publication Date

4-19-2021

First Advisor

Simpson, LaShan

Second Advisor

To, Filip

Third Advisor

Anderson, Thomas

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