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.
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.
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.
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.