The detected Lp(a) and MGP association in CKD4 patients may also represent the key to the complicated mechanism of their coexisting accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
To assess the rate of matrix Gla-protein carboxylation in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and to decipher its association with subclinical atherosclerosis.
We conclude that there is a balance between the actions of BMP-2 and MGP in the initiation of vascular mesenchymal cell condensation and SMC differentiation, and that targeting ALK1, BMP2 and/or MGP may lead to novel concepts of atherosclerosis treatment.
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.
In a first explorative survey, serum MGP concentrations were found to be significantly increased in patients with severe atherosclerosis, whereas these values were normal in those with low bone mass and osteoporosis.