Matrix Gla protein polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery calcification in men.
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). Our aim was to examine the cross-sectional association between MGP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) [rs1800802 (T-138C), rs1800801 (G-7A), and rs4236 (Ala102Thr)] and CAC. CAC was measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), in older men and women of European descent, (n=386; 60 to 80 y of age). Serum MGP was measured by radioimmunoassay. 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) were associated with a decreased quantity of CAC, relative to major allele carriers. This association was not found in women. Although genetic variation in MGP was associated with serum MGP concentrations, there were no associations between serum MGP and CAC. The results of this study suggest a role for MGP genetic variants in coronary atherosclerosis among men that is not reflected in serum MGP concentrations.
USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Michael D
MD
Crosier
Sarah L
SL
Booth
Inga
I
Peter
Bess
B
Dawson-Hughes
Paul A
PA
Price
Christopher J
CJ
O'Donnell
Udo
U
Hoffmann
Matthew K
MK
Williamson
Jose M
JM
Ordovas
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012737:Sex Factors; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics; D000097568:Matrix Gla Protein
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D000097568:Matrix Gla Protein