engleski

Inactive plasma Matrix Gla protein and biochemical parameters in patients with ulcerative colitis

Introduction: Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is investigated as an important inhibitor of vascular calcification, and its inactive form has been connected with endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness and elevated cardiovascular risk in general. Inflammatory bowel disease has also been increasingly associated with cardiovascular risk and endothelial dysfunction, in addition with chronic inflammation. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate inactive plasma MGP levels in patients with ulcerative colitis in comparison to control group, while additional goal was to investigate association of plasma MGP levels with disease activity and other biochemical parameters. Methods: In this study 35 patients with ulcerative colitis were enrolled, and paired with 35 control subjects matched in age, gender and BMI. ELISA kit (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Phoenix, USA) was used for plasma MGP measurement, while other parameters were measured using standard biochemical procedures. Detailed clinical information and anthropometric measurements were obtained from each participant. Results: Ulcerative colitis patients had significantly higher plasma MGP values in comparison with control group (599.4±120.5 vs. 532.6±98.8 pmol/L, P=0.013). Furthermore, plasma MGP showed positive correlation with faecal calprotectin (r=0.393, P=0.019) and hsCRP (r=0.413, P<0.001), while association with total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and liver enzymes was not found. Positive correlation was found between plasma MGP and BMI (r=0.340, P=0.004) and waist circumference (r=0.369, P=0.001) as well. Finally, when described parameters were modelled in multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and BMI, faecal calprotectin remained in significant association with plasma MGP (β=0.11, SE=0.04, P=0.037). Discussion / Conclusion: Results show that plasma MGP levels are elevated in patients with ulcerative colitis, and that it may play a role in complex pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis and its complications. However, further research is necessary to clarify the findings of this study.

Matrix Gla protein ; ulcerative colitis

nije evidentirano