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Matrix Gla protein is associated with risk factors for atherosclerosis but not with coronary artery calcification

Christopher J O'Donnell1, M Kyla Shea, Paul A Price

  • 1Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mt. Wayte Ave, Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702, USA. odonnellc@nhlbi.nih.gov

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|September 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Circulating Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is linked to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in adults. Further research is needed to understand MGP's relationship with coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a marker for coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • Matrix Gla protein (MGP) inhibits calcification in vivo, but its role in human CHD risk is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution of circulating MGP.
  • To examine associations between MGP, CHD risk factors, and CAC in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Serum MGP levels were measured in two independent cohorts (Study A: n=316, mean age 58; Study B: n=452, mean age 68).
  • Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was assessed using computed tomography.
  • Associations with Framingham CHD risk score and individual risk factors were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • MGP levels increased with age in both cohorts.
  • Circulating MGP showed associations with increasing Framingham CHD risk score and high-density lipoprotein levels.
  • No consistent associations were found between MGP and CAC after adjusting for CHD risk score.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating MGP is associated with CHD risk factors and the Framingham CHD risk score in individuals without clinically apparent CHD.
  • The relationship between MGP and CAC requires further investigation in larger populations.
Abstract

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