Matrix Gla protein as natural inhibitor of vascular calcification and potential treatment target

Abstract

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) represents natural inhibitor of vascular calcification, whereas vitamin K is key co-factor of its maturation to the active form. There is accumulating evidence that vitamin K status and corresponding MGP activity may influence cardiovascular risk.

Keywords

• Matrix Gla protein
• vitamin K
• vascular calcification
• cardiovascular diseases