Summary
Among the proteins involved in vascular calcium metabolism, the vitamin K-dependent
matrix Gla-protein (MGP) plays a dominant role. Although on a molecular level its
mechanism of action is not completely understood, it is generally accepted that MGP
is a potent inhibitor of arterial calcification. Its pivotal importance for vascular
health is demonstrated by the fact that there seems to be no effective alternative
mechanism for calcification inhibition in the vasculature. An optimal vitamin K intake
is therefore important to maintain the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible.
With the aid of conformation-specific antibodies MGP species in both tissue and the
circulation have been detected in the healthy population, and significant differences
were found in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using ELISA-based assays,
uncarboxylated MGP (ucMGP) was demonstrated to be a promising biomarker for cardiovascular
calcification detection. These assays may have potential value for identifying patients
as well as apparently healthy subjects at high risk for CVD and/or cardiovascular
calcification and for monitoring the treatment of CVD and vascular calcification.
Keywords
Matrix Gla-protein - vitamin K - calcification - cardiovascular disease - oral anticoagulants