Abstract: 【Abstract】Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Calcification of vascular wall promotes the development of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus in CKD patients stimulate the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Vascular calcification is a complex process with the balance of calcification promoting factors and inhibitory factors, similar to the process of ossification. In this paper, we reviewed the physiological mechanism of vascular calcification, the in vitro and in vivo research models and the hot topics in the research field of vascular calcification.

Key words: Chronic kidney disease, vascular calcification, calcium, phosphorus