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Renal osteodystrophy: alpha-Heremans Schmid glycoprotein/fetuin-A, matrix GLA protein serum levels, and bone histomorphometry

Coen G, Ballanti P, Balducci A, Grandi F, Manni M, Mantella D, Pierantozzi A, Ruggeri M et al.

American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 2006

27 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fetuin-A of hepatic origin circulates in large amounts in serum, but also is expressed in bone, where it is an inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) proteins. Together with matrix GLA protein (MGP), fetuin-A is able to make up a complex with calcium and phosphate that is more soluble than calcium and phosphate alone, preventing its deposition in extraskeletal tissues. Experimental results suggested that this complex is made at bone tissue level. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether serum fetuin-A and MGP are influenced by type of renal osteodystrophy, they correlate with bone histomorphometric and histodynamic parameters, and/or serum levels may influence bone turnover.

METHODS: Thirty-eight hemodialysis patients who volunteered to undergo a bone biopsy were studied. Patients (27 men, 11 women) had a mean age of 55.2 +/- 11.8 years and dialysis vintage of 75.7 +/- 57.4 months. They were not administered vitamin D or drugs connected with mineral metabolism. They underwent transiliac bone biopsy after tetracycline labeling. Biopsies were performed for histological, histomorphometric, and histodynamic evaluation and aluminum histochemistry. Serum fetuin-A and MGP were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

RESULTS: Serum fetuin-A levels were significantly less than normal, whereas MGP levels were less than the normal average. Fetuin-A levels in patients with hyperparathyroidism, mixed…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 27 participants or records.

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