Structural valve degeneration: are there common mechanisms with atherosclerosis and calcific aortic stenosis?

Current research shows that some of the pathogenetic processes behind structural destruction bioprosthetic valves are largely similar to those involved in development atherosclerotic vascular lesions and native valve calcification. These include lipid leukocyte infiltration, typical for both prosthetic tissues. They accompanied by formation foam cells, excessive production matrix-degrading enzymes increased oxidative stress. This fact suggests approaches conservative treatment atherosclerosis may be useful prolonging lifespan valves.