The amount of calcium-deficient hexagonal hydroxyapatite in aortic valves is influenced by gender and associated with genetic polymorphisms in patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis.

AIMS: The study evaluated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), gene polymorphism, calcification and fibrosis of stenotic aortic valves. METHODS AND RESULTS: The calcium content of 187 excised stenotic aortic valves was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hydroxyproline content was quantified. Left-heart catheterization was performed. CRF and genotypes of the interleukin 10, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) polymorphisms were assessed. Calcification consisted of Ca-deficient hexagonal hydroxyapatite, Ca(10 - x)(HPO4)x(PO4)(6 - x)(OH)(2 - x); with 0