Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Matrix γ-carboxyglutamate (Gla) protein (MGP) is a marker of athero-sclerosis reflecting the degree of inhibition of ongoing calcification processes in the vascular wall. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and adiponectin (ADP) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects. We aimed at determining in type 2 diabetes patients the relationship between serum MGP, OPG, ADP levels and the HbA1c, HOMA insulin-sensitivity or B-cell function.

Research design and methods: Serum MGP, OPG and ADP were determined in 37 adult patients with type 2 diabetes using an ELISA method. Insulin sensitivity and β-cells secretion were mesured using HOMA model.

Results: There were no significant correlations between serum OPG, MGP or ADP and glycated hemoglobin HbA1c.Significant correlations were found between insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S log) and serum MGP-log or serum ADP-log, and also between β-cells function (HOMA-B log) and serum MGP-log, or serum ADP-log (Table)

No correlations were found between serum MGP and abdominal perimeter (P=0.42) or body mass index (P=0.12). Serum levels of MGP and OPG were inversely correlated (P=0.02).

Conclusion: Serum MGP was positively correlated with β-cells fonction (P=0.03) and hsCRP (P=0.0009), and inversely correlated with HOMA-insulin sensitivity (P=0.02). In type 2 diabetic patients, the increased levels of plasma MGP may counteract vascular calcification, but also an increased inflammation which may reflect either the vascular remodeling and/or a mechanism loading to increased resistance of insulin.