Fig 2.

ALA attenuates Pi-induced VSMC calcification via reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction and structural damage. (A–C) ALA blocks Pi-induced mitochondrial perturbation. Cells were treated with Pi for 6 days in the presence or absence of ALA (300 μM) and mitochondria membrane potential (A) and cellular ATP levels (B) were assessed. Data are expressed as the mean ± S.D. (n= 3). To verify the changes in mitochondrial structure, specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopy (C). A representative experiment is presented. Scale bar indicates 250 nm. (D) Inhibitory effect of ALA on Pi-induced VSMC calcification. After VSMCs (2 × 10⁴ cells/well in a 48-well culture plate) were treated with Pi in the presence or absence of ALA (300 μM) for 4 and 8 days, calcium content was measured (upper) and calcium deposits were visualized by von Kossa and alizarin red S staining (lower). Data are expressed as the mean ± S.D. (n= 3). *P < 0.01; ^†P < 0.05.