Calcifying nanoparticles in pathomorphogenesis of structural lesions of heart valves
Over the last 10 years, calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) have attracted attention as structures detected, together with many other nanostructures, in biopsies from patients operated for the correction of aortic valve malformations. The results of the present work performed with the use of high-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopes agree on the whole with the data of other authors. Some new findings include CNP adhesion to collagen fibers and specifically-shaped shallow invaginations or craters at their surface. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms that promote involvement of CNP in the development of the disease are considered.