Correlation between fetuin-A and matrix Gla protein levels in human serum

Background: Vascular calcification is frequently found in hemodialysis patients. Fetuin-A is a well-characterized circulating inhibitor of calcification. Several other bone-associated proteins, such as the matrix Gla protein (MGP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteopontin (OPN), are also presumed to inhibit vascular calcification. However, little is known about the relationship between fetuin-A and other calcification inhibitors. In this study, we examined the association of fetuin-A with MGP, OPG, and OPN. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 92 subjects who were suspected to have coronary artery diseases. Serum levels of fetuin-A, MGP, OPG, and OPN were measured using ELISA. Results: Fetuin-A level was significantly correlated with MGP level (p = 0.242, p = 0.021). On the other hand, the fetuin-A level was not correlated with OPG (p = 0.048, p = 0.649) and OPN (p = 0.007, p = 0.948) levels. Conclusions: We found the positive correlation between fetuin-A and MGP levels in human serum. Fetuin-A may collaborate with MGP to inhibit vascular calcification.