Oxidized phospholipid POVPC contributes to vascular calcification by triggering ferroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract Vascular calcification is an actively regulated biological process resembling bone formation, and osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a crucial role in this process. 1‐Palmitoyl‐2‐(5′‐oxo‐valeroyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POVPC), an oxidized phospholipid, is found in atherosclerotic plaques and has been shown to induce oxidative stress. However, the effects of POVPC on osteogenic differentiation and calcification of VSMCs have yet to be studied. In the present study, we investigated the role of POVPC in vascular calcification using in vitro and ex vivo models. POVPC increased mineralization of VSMCs and arterial rings, as shown by alizarin red staining. In addition, POVPC treatment increased expression of osteogenic markers Runx2 and BMP2, indicating that POVPC promotes osteogenic transition of VSMCs. Moreover, POVPC increased oxidative stress and impaired mitochondria function of VSMCs, as shown by increased ROS levels, impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased ATP levels. Notably, ferroptosis triggered by POVPC was confirmed by increased levels of intracellular ROS, lipid ROS, and MDA, which were decreased by ferrostatin‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor. Furthermore, ferrostatin‐1 attenuated POVPC‐induced calcification of VSMCs. Taken together, our study for the first time demonstrates that POVPC promotes vascular calcification via activation of VSMC ferroptosis. Reducing the levels of POVPC or inhibiting ferroptosis might provide a novel strategy to treat vascular calcification.