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.
Crosier
Michael D
MD
USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Booth
Sarah L
SL
Peter
Inga
I
Dawson-Hughes
Bess
B
Price
Paul A
PA
O'Donnell
Christopher J
CJ
Hoffmann
Udo
U
Williamson
Matthew K
MK
Ordovas
Jose M
JM
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