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Bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid containing protein in the perinatal period
Insights
Fetal bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) levels are significantly higher in cord serum than maternal serum, suggesting fetal production and potential bone turnover or vitamin K deficiency influences.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) is a marker of bone metabolism.
- Maternal and fetal BGP levels during gestation are not well understood.
- Vitamin K deficiency can affect BGP carboxylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare BGP, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels in paired maternal and cord sera.
- To measure urinary gamma-Gla in neonates.
- To investigate potential fetal BGP production and factors influencing its levels.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of BGP, Ca, P, and Al-P in maternal and cord sera.
- Quantification of urinary gamma-Gla in neonates.
- Statistical comparison of serum and urinary analyte concentrations.
Main Results:
- Cord serum BGP was significantly higher (41.21 ng/ml) than maternal serum BGP (7.44 ng/ml).
- Maternal BGP levels were comparable to normal adult levels.
- Urinary gamma-Gla in neonates was 147.68 mumol/g creatinine.
- No correlation was found between cord and maternal serum BGP.
Conclusions:
- The elevated cord serum BGP suggests potential fetal BGP production during gestation.
- Increased fetal bone turnover may contribute to higher BGP levels.
- Fetal vitamin K deficiency could lead to non-carboxylated BGP in cord serum.
Abstract:
We measured bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (Al-P) in paired maternal and cord sera, and urinary gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (gamma-Gla) in neonates. The circulating BGP was 41.21 +/- 2.47 ng/ml and 7.44 +/- 0.87 ng/ml in the cord (n = 15) and the maternal (n = 14) sera, respectively. The urinary gamma-Gla in the neonates was 147.68 +/- 10.75 mumol/g creatinine (n = 15). The cord serum BGP was significantly higher than the normal adult level. The maternal serum BGP was at the same level as in other adults. It is conceivable that the fetus may produce BGP during gestation, as the cord serum BGP level was significantly higher than the maternal level and there was no correlation between the cord and maternal serum BGP concentrations. The reason for the elevated circulating BGP level in the cord serum is not known, but increased bone turnover may be a factor. The cord serum BGP may include not only carboxylated but also non-gamma-carboxylated GP because of fetal vitamin K deficiency.