This thesis gives the reader the general overview on the importance of platelets and smooth muscle cells in the process of calcification of blood vessels that occurs in various pathological states, including atherosclerosis. Moreover, the mechanisms of these processes on a cellular level and the concept of reversing calcification was described. This thesis especially emphasizes the role of platelet-derived chemokines (platelet factor 4, platelet factor 4 alt and RANTES) in the remodeling of other cell types residing in the blood vessels, in particular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Additionally, this thesis investigated the involvement of nanoscale vesicles, released by the liver cells (hepatocytes) in the development of liver disease such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that may subsequently lead to liver fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis. Finally, the results were critically discussed and translated to a clinically relevant context.
