Development of Assay Method for Plasma Concentration of Undercarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (ucMGP), and Its Usefulness in Estimation of Vascular Vitamin K Status

Abstract

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is known as a potent vascular calcification inhibitor. MGP is a vitamin K dependent protein (VKDP) which is activated by gamma-carboxylation of Glu residues (Gla) in the presence of vitamin K. It is considered that plasma concentration of undercarboxylated MGP (ucMGP) will be useful as the marker for vascular vitamin K status. However, a method to accurately quantify the plasma ucMGP concentration has not been well established. In present study, we have developed the assay method for plasma concentration of ucMGP, and which could be concluded to be a useful marker in the estimation of vascular vitamin K status.