Plasma Dephosphorylated-Uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-Protein in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Biomarker Potential for Vascular Calcification and Inflammation
Judith Potjewijd,
Rachid Tobal,
Karin A. Boomars,
Vanessa V. P. M. van Empel,
Femke de Vries,
Jan G. M. C. Damoiseaux,
Leon J. Schurgers,
Pieter van Paassen
Affiliations
Judith Potjewijd
Department of Internal Medicine, Division Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Rachid Tobal
Department of Internal Medicine, Division Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Karin A. Boomars
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Vanessa V. P. M. van Empel
Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Femke de Vries
Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
Jan G. M. C. Damoiseaux
Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Leon J. Schurgers
Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
Pieter van Paassen
Department of Internal Medicine, Division Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients face an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), even when classic cardiovascular risk factors are considered. Plasma dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-protein (dp-ucMGP), an inactive form of MGP, is associated with increased CVD risk. Smooth muscle cells, implicated in SSc’s development, are the primary dp-ucMGP producers. This study assessed dp-ucMGP levels and initial CVD events in early-diagnosed SSc patients, investigating its potential as a CVD and all-cause mortality predictor over time. Methods: In a cohort of 87 SSc patients (excluding those with pre-existing CVD or on dialysis), baseline dp-ucMGP levels were measured, along with cardiovascular risk factors. Validation involved assessing dp-ucMGP in a subset of treatment-naive SSc patients. Results: A significantly elevated median dp-ucMGP level of 634 pmol/L (IQR 301) compared with healthy controls (dp-ucMGP p 634 pmol/L) correlated with a higher risk of CVD and/or death (log-rank test: p < 0.01). Conclusions: In summary, dp-ucMGP emerges as a novel biomarker in SSc patients, with elevated levels indicating an increased risk of CVD and/or mortality in this population.
