| Introduction. Plasma protein growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6)
and matrix Gla protein (MGP) are crucial mediators of vascular
calcification and are involved in the development of vascular
complications in chronic kidney diseases. This study was set out
to investigate the relationship between plasma GAS6 levels and
MGP in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance
hemodialysis.
Materials and Methods. Forty-six hemodialysis and 46 healthy
individuals with normal kidneys were recruited. Plasma GAS6
and MGP concentrations and related biochemical factors were
quantified as well as collection of data on clinical characteristics.
Results. Plasma GAS6 levels were significantly higher in the
hemodialysis patients as compared with the control group
(763.52 ± 187.91 pg/mL versus 421.63 ± 189.91 pg/mL, P < .001).
Plasma MGP concentration was significantly lower in the
hemodialysis patients than the control group (52.35 ± 12.35 ng/
mL versus 6.60 ± 19.54 ng/mL, P < .001). The levels of GAS6
were inversely associated with MGP (r = -0.341, P = .02) in the
hemodialysis patients.
Conclusions. Increased GAS6 and decreased MGP levels in
hemodialysis patients, as mediators of induction or prevention of
vascular calcification, and their inverse correlation may suggest
that there might be a role in increased calcification process in
hemodialysis patients or only as a secondary phenomenon of
advanced kidney failure. Their direct role on vascular calcification
needs further studies in the future. |