Undercarboxylated Matrix GLA Protein Levels Are Decreased in Dialysis Patients and Related to Parameters of Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism and Aortic Augmentation Index

Abstract

Significantly lower serum ucMGP levels were observed in dialysis patients compared to healthy controls. ucMGP levels were inversely associated with phosphate and positively associated with serum fetuin-A levels. Furthermore, ucMGP levels were inversely associated with the aortic augmentation index. These data suggest that low ucMGP levels may be a marker of active calcification.