Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Gla-Rich Protein Is Associated with Vascular Calcification, Inflammation, and Mineral Markers in Peritoneal Dialysis
Catarina Marreiros1, Carla Viegas1,2, Anabela Malho Guedes3,4
1Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
Insights
Gla-rich protein (GRP) may serve as a novel biomarker for vascular calcification (VC) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Lower serum tGRP levels correlate with increased VC, suggesting its role in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have a high risk of CVD, necessitating better diagnostic tools for VC.
- Gla-rich protein (GRP), an inhibitor of VC and anti-inflammatory agent, is a potential biomarker in CKD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Gla-rich protein (GRP) as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- To explore the association between vascular calcification (VC) and serum/dialysate total GRP (tGRP) levels in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).
Main Methods:
- Quantification of circulating total Gla-rich protein (tGRP) in serum and 24-hour dialysate.
- Assessment of vascular calcification score (VCS) using the Adragão method.
- Analysis of associations between tGRP levels, VCS, and biochemical markers (serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, hsCRP).
Main Results:
- Serum tGRP showed negative correlations with VCS, serum calcium, phosphate, and hsCRP, and a positive correlation with magnesium.
- Patients with extensive calcifications (VCS ≥ 3) exhibited the lowest serum tGRP levels.
- Dialysate tGRP also negatively correlated with VCS, serum calcium, and phosphate.
- Serum calcium, phosphate, and VCS were independent predictors of serum tGRP levels.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that serum tGRP is associated with vascular calcification (VC), mineral metabolism, and inflammation markers in PD patients.
- GRP shows potential as a novel biomarker for monitoring VC in CKD patients on PD.
- Further research is warranted to validate GRP's utility in cardiovascular risk stratification for this population.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Vascular calcification (VC) is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations. However, the specific relationship between VC and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains to be fully understood. The identification of new biomarkers to improve VC diagnosis and monitoring would significantly impact cardiovascular risk management in these high-risk patients. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a VC inhibitor and an anti-inflammatory agent and thus is a potential VC marker in CKD. Here we explored the potential role of GRP as a marker for CVD and investigated the impact of VC in 101 PD patients. Methods: Circulating total Gla-rich protein (tGRP) was quantified in serum and in 24 h dialysate samples. VC score (VCS) was determined using the Adragão method. Results: Serum tGRP was negatively associated with VCS, serum calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), while it was positively associated with magnesium (Mg). A total of 35.6% of PD patients presented with extensive calcifications (VCS ≥ 3), and the lowest tGRP serum levels were present in this group (419.4 ± 198.5 pg/mL). tGRP in the 24 h dialysate was also negatively associated with VCS and with serum Ca and P. Moreover, serum Ca, P, and VCS were identified as independent determinants of serum tGRP levels. Conclusions: The association of serum tGRP with VC, mineral, and inflammation markers reinforces its potential use as a novel VC biomarker in CKD patients undergoing PD.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...