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Calcium scores and matrix Gla protein levels: association with vitamin K status
Author(s) -
Rennenberg Roger J. M. W.,
De Leeuw Peter W.,
Kessels Alphons G. H.,
Schurgers Leon J.,
Vermeer Cees,
Van Engelshoven Jos M. A.,
Kemerink Gerrit J.,
Kroon Abraham A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02275.x
Subject(s) - matrix gla protein , osteocalcin , medicine , calcification , calcium , vitamin d and neurology , endocrinology , blood pressure , vitamin , aorta , pulse wave velocity , arteriosclerosis , cardiology , chemistry , alkaline phosphatase , biochemistry , ectopic calcification , enzyme
Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 344–349 Abstract Background Vascular calcification in humans is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Carboxylated matrix Gla protein (cMGP) inhibits vascular calcification. Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for the activation of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP). It has been suggested that patients on long‐term treatment with vitamin K antagonists develop aortic valve calcifications because of lower levels of circulating MGP. We therefore hypothesized that arterial calcification and a low vitamin K status are associated with ucMGP. To that aim, we measured arterial calcium scores, the osteocalcin ratio (OCR), as a proxy for vitamin K status, and ucMGP. Materials and methods In 36 hypertensive patients, we determined the Agatston score with computer tomography scans of the abdominal aorta, carotid and coronary arteries. The total calcium score was calculated as the sum of the separate Z ‐scores. Results The total calcium Z ‐score was significantly correlated to age ( r = 0·683, P < 0·001), smoking ( r = 0·372, P = 0·026), total cholesterol ( r = 0·353, P = 0·034), LDL cholesterol ( r = 0·490, P = 0·003), triglycerides ( r = 0·506, P = 0·002), fasting glucose ( r = 0·454, P = 0·005), systolic blood pressure ( r = 0·363, P = 0·029) and pulse pressure ( r = 0·685, P < 0·001). In multivariate regression analyses, OCR and total calcium score were significantly associated with ucMGP. Conclusions We found a positive association of total arterial calcium score and a high OCR (reflecting low vitamin K status) with ucMGP serum levels. This warrants further studies to explore the pathophysiological background of this phenomenon.