Adenosine derived from ecto-nucleotidases in calcific aortic valve disease promotes mineralization through A2a adenosine receptor

AimsIn this study, we sought to determine the role of ecto-nucleotidases and adenosine receptors in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The expression of ecto-nucleotidases, which modify the levels of extracellular nucleotides/nucleosides, may control the mineralization of valve interstitial cells (VICs). We hypothesized that expression of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1), which generates AMP, and 5′-nucleotidase (CD73), an enzyme using AMP as a substrate to produce adenosine, may co-regulate the mineralization of the aortic valve.