Detection of bone calcification control mechanism

Canadian researchers at McGill University have discovered for the first time a biological mechanism that controls calcification of bones, teeth and tissues, causing many bone, heart and joint diseases.

Research author, dentist Marc McKee, demonstrated that pyrophosphate molecules can prevent calcification by binding to mineral crystals by increasing the level of osteopontin protein inhibiting calcification.

When two pyrophosphat and osteopontin inhibitors in the body are out of balance, calcification can overactively cause hardening of soft tissues, joints and blood vessels or weaken soft bones and teeth.

Researchers hope this breakthrough will help find new therapies for arthritis and cardiovascular disease because of the causes of arthralgias and arteriosclerosis, often due to calcification.