Abstract: A method for inhibiting ectopic calcification of bodily organs caused by elevated LDL cholesterol is provided. The method includes administering an LDL lowering agent to a patient, comprising a PCSK9 inhibitor selected from Evolocumab, Alirocumab, Praluent, Repatha Pushtonix, Repatha autoinjector, and combinations of the foregoing.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting ectopic calcification of bodily organs caused by elevated LDL cholesterol is provided. The method includes administering an LDL lowering agent to a patient, comprising a PCSK9 inhibitor selected from Evolocumab, Alirocumab, Praluent, Repatha Pushtonix, Repatha autoinjector, and combinations of the foregoing.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction, or calcification of a valve following implantation of a valve prosthesis or a native valve which develops disease via the Lrp5/Wnt Pathway in the presence of elevated lipids due to elevated Low Density Lipoprotein. This invention involves dispensing a combination of medications to target inflammation and attachment of the target cell and the secondary drugs to inhibit proliferation and calcification on an elastical stent, gortex graft or valve leaflet. The combination therapy inhibits bioprosthesis and native valve calcification with improvement of the longevity of the prosthetic material including the stent, the native valve, and the gortex covering. The valve prosthesis and or gortex graft is mounted on the elastical stent or prosthesis such that the elastical stent is connected to the valve.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of a heart valve following implantation in a vessel having a wall are disclosed. In one aspect the method includes providing a bioprosthetic heart valve mounted on an elastical stent; treating the bioprosthetic heart valve with a tissue fixative; coating the stent and the bioprosthetic valve with a coating composition including one or more therapeutic agents; implanting the bioprosthetic valve into the vessel in a diseased natural valve site; eluting the coating composition from the bioprosthetic valve; and inhibiting stenosis, obstruction and/or calcification of the bioprosthetic heart valve by preventing the attachment of stem cells to the bioprosthetic heart valve, the stem cells circulating external and proximate to the bioprosthetic heart valve by activating nitric oxide production (i) in the circulating stem cells, (ii) in an endothelial cell lining covering the bioprosthetic heart valve tissue, (iii) or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting stenosis, obstruction, or calcification of a valve following implantation of a valve prosthesis which may involve disposing a coating composition which is a combination of two different drugs one to target inflammation and attachment of the target cell and the second drug to inhibit proliferation and calcification on an elastical stent, gortex graft or valve leaflet, the combination effect of the two drug therapies incorporated into the polymer to attach to the bioprosthesis will improve the efficacy of the inhibition of calcification and the improvement of the longevity of the prosthetic material including the stent, the valve, and the gortex covering. The valve prosthesis and or gortex graft is mounted on the elastical stent or prosthesis such that the elastical stent is in contact with the valve.

Abstract: Materials and Methods related to a transgenic non-human animal (e.g., a transgenic non-human mammal) whose genome comprises a disrupted TIEG allele are provided. Methods for making such transgenic non-human animals, and using them to identify and characterize agents that affect conditions related to TIEG activity, such as cardiac hypertrophy and bone formation also are provided. In addition, materials and methods related to the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are provided.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to a transgenic non-human animal (e.g., a transgenic non-human mammal) whose genome comprises a disrupted TIEG allele are provided. Methods for making such transgenic non-human animals, and using them to identify and characterize agents that affect conditions related to TIEG activity, such as cardiac hypertrophy and bone formation also are provided. In addition, materials and methods related to the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials related to heart valves and the treatment of valvular heart disease. Specifically, the invention provides non-murine heart valve cells and heart valve cusps as well as methods for making heart valves. The invention also provides methods and materials for (1) slowing heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, (2) treating carcinoid heart disease, (3) identifying inhibitors of heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, and (4) determining the safety of drugs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials related to heart valves and the treatment of valvular heart disease. Specifically, the invention provides non-murine heart valve cells and heart valve cusps as well as methods for making heart valves. The invention also provides methods and materials for (1) slowing heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, (2) treating carcinoid heart disease, (3) identifying inhibitors of heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, and (4) determining the safety of drugs.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for slowing heart valve degeneration in which an inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase is administered.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials related to heart valves and the treatment of valvular heart disease. Specifically, the invention provides non-murine heart valve cells and heart valve cusps as well as methods for making heart valves. The invention also provides methods and materials for (1) slowing heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, (2) treating carcinoid heart disease, (3) identifying inhibitors of heart valve degeneration, thrombosis, and calcification, and (4) determining the safety of drugs.