The relationship between undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein and cardiovascular diseases in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, largely due to the presence of vascular calcification and its associated complications. Undercarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP), which inhibits vascular calcification, plays a crucial role in preventing this condition. Aim: Our study aimed to compare ucMGP levels in CKD patients with preserved and reduced renal function and to evaluate its role as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk. Materials and methods: We studied 84 patients with predialysis CKD. They were divided into two groups according to the kidney function: Group I – patients with preserved renal function (GFR ≥ 90 ml/min) and Group II – patients with mild to severely decreased renal function (GFR between 15 and 89 ml/min). Blood samples were analyzed using the Cobas E 311 automated analyzer and the ucMGP levels were measured using an ELISA kit from Abbexa, UK. Results: In Group I, CVD patients had significantly higher inorganic phosphates, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. In Group II, CVD patients had significantly higher ucMGP concentrations. UcMGP levels were associated with age and CVD in Group II and highly correlated with inorganic phosphate and serum creatinine levels in Group I. Conclusions: UcMGP levels show a significant increase in CKD patients with CVD and are strongly connected to various renal function indices, indicating its potential as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.