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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #218835
Title: Matrix Gla Protein polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery calcification

Author
item CROSIER, MICHAEL - JM USDA HNRCA @ TUFTS
item Booth, Sarah
item PETER, INGA - TUFTS-NEMC
item Dawson-Hughes, Bess
item PRICE, PAUL - UNIV OF CA, SAN DIEGO
item O'DONNELL, CHRISTOPHER - FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY
item HOFFMAN, UDO - MASS GENERAL HOSP.
item WILLIAMSON, MATTHEW - UNIV OF CA, DAN DIEGO
item Ordovas, Jose

Submitted to: Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/19/2008
Publication Date: 4/1/2009
Citation: Crosier, M.D., Booth, S.L., Peter, I., Dawson-Hughes, B., Price, P.A., O'Donnell, C.J., Hoffman, U., Williamson, M.K., Ordovas, J.M. 2009. Matrix Gla Protein polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery calcification. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. 55:59-65.

Interpretive Summary: Data from cell and animal studies suggest that matrix gla protein, a protein produced in various tissues in our body, can inhibit vascular calcification. Genetic variation in the gene that codes for matrix gla protein may modulate the development of coronary artery calcification, a risk factor for heart disease. We examined the association between genetic variation in the matrix gla protein gene and coronary artery calcification in 416 men and women participating in a vitamin K supplementation trial. Genetic variation in the gene coding for matrix gla protein was associated with coronary artery calcification in men, but not women. The results of this study lend support for a connection between genetic variation in matrix gla protein and heart disease.

Technical Abstract: Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) is a key regulator of vascular calcification. Genetic variation at the MGP locus could modulate the development of coronary artery calcification (CAC). We examined the cross-sectional association between MGP SNPs [rs1800802 (T-138C), rs1800801 (G-7A),and rs4236 (Ala102Thr)] and CAC as measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), in older men and women of European descent, 60 to 80 years of age. Linear, Tobit and Ordinal regression analyses all revealed that in men, homozygous carriers of the minor allele of rs1800802, rs1800801, or rs4236 (minor allele frequency: 21%, 38%, and 40%, respectively) are associated with a decreased quantity of CAC, relative to major allele carriers. This association was not found in women. The results of this study lend further support for a mechanistic connection between MGP genetic variants, circulating MGP concentration, and coronary atherosclerosis.