Increment of chondrocyte-like cells in aortic valves in hypercholesterolaemic mice

Aim: In aortic stenosis (AS), valvular calcification makes valves thicker causing impairment of the valve function. This is caused by accumulation of oxidized LDL and inflammatory cells into the valve, followed by extra cellular matrix remodelling. As disease progresses, chondrocytes, cartilage, and endochondral calcification may also be present in calcified valves. Here, we wanted to study if chondrocytes are involved in pathobiological process of valvular calcification in hypercholesterolaemic mouse model of AS.