The circulating calcification inhibitors, fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin, but not Matrix Gla protein, are associated with vascular stiffness and calcification in children on dialysis

Abstract

This is the first study to define normal levels of the calcification inhibitors in children and show that fetuin-A and OPG are associated with increased vascular stiffness and calcification in children on dialysis. Higher levels of fetuin-A in children suggest a possible protective upregulation of fetuin-A in the early stages of exposure to the pro-calcific and pro-inflammatory uraemic environment.