Leon Schurgers is the expert in this test for pathologic calcification is at the University Of Maastricht. http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=124863
The Circulating Inactive Form of Matrix Gla Protein (ucMGP) as a Biomarker for Cardiovascular Calcification
Ellen C.M. Cranenburga, b, Cees Vermeera, b, Ralf Koosd, Marie-Louise Boumansa, Tilman M. Hackenga, Freek G. Bouwmanc, Martijn Kwaijtaala, Vincent M. Brandenburge, Markus Kettelerf, Leon J. Schurgersa, baVitaK,
Cardiovascular Research Institute CARIM, and Department of Human Biology NUTRIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Departments of Cardiology and Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Kuratorium für Heimdialyse, Dialysis Center, Würselen, Germany
J Vasc Res 2008;45:427-436 (DOI: 10.1159/000124863)
Abstract
Objective: Matrix –carboxyglutamate (Gla) protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein and a strong inhibitor of vascular calcification.
Vitamin K deficiency leads to inactive uncarboxylated MGP (ucMGP), which accumulates at sites of arterial calcification.
We hypothesized that as a result of ucMGP deposition around arterial calcification, the circulating fraction of ucMGP is decreased. Here we report on the development of an ucMGP assay and the potential diagnostic utility of monitoring serum ucMGP levels. Methods and Results: An ELISA-based assay was developed with which circulating ucMGP can be determined. Serum ucMGP levels were measured in healthy subjects (n = 165) and in four patient populations; patients who underwent angioplasty (n = 30), patients with aortic stenosis (n = 25), hemodialysis patients (n = 52), and calciphylaxis patients (n = 10). All four patient populations had significantly lower ucMGP levels. In angioplasty patients and in those with aortic stenosis, some overlap was observed with the control population. However, in the hemodialysis and calciphylaxis populations, virtually all subjects had ucMGP levels below the normal adult range.
Conclusion: Serum ucMGP may be used as a biomarker to identify those at risk for developing vascular calcification. This assay may become an important tool in the diagnosis of cardiovascular calcification.