Purpose: The deposition of hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals plays an important role in the development of vascular calcification (VC). This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of nanosized HAp (nHAp) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and VC progression.
Methods: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine cellular uptake of nHAp. Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 assay kit. Mitochondrial impairment and reactive oxygen species were detected by TEM and fluorescence dye staining, respectively. Cell apoptosis was detected by Western blot analysis and Annexin V staining. Mouse model of VC was built via applying nHAp on the surface of abdominal aorta. Calcification was visualized by Alizarin red and von Kossa staining.