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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Matrix Gla protein and osteopontin genetic associations with coronary artery calcification and bone density: the
Brent C Taylor1, Pamela J Schreiner, Terence M Doherty
1Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, VA Medical Center (152/2E), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. taylorbc@umn.edu
Abstract:
A role for matrix proteins has previously been proposed in the pathogenesis of arterial calcification in the setting of atherosclerosis, and a link has been suggested between osteoporosis and arterial calcification. Our aim has been to investigate whether matrix Gla protein (MGP) T-138C, osteopontin (SPP1) T-443C, and Asp94Asp single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with the development of arterial calcification and bone density. The individual effects of the MGP and SPP1 polymorphisms with coronary calcification are weak and not statistically significant. Bone mineral density differences at both the hip and spine do not vary statistically by genotype for any of the polymorphisms studied. Given the significant role of both MGP and SPP1 in arteriosclerosis, further research in higher risk, older populations are needed to determine fully the way in which MGP and SPP1 polymorphisms are associated with disease.
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