Cigarette smoking is associated with decreased Bone Gla-Protein (BGP) levels in hemodialysis patients
- Autori: Fusaro, M.; Gallieni, M.; Aghi, A.; Iervasi, G.; Rizzo, M.A.; Stucchi, A.; Noale, M.; Tripepi, G.; Nickolas, T.; Veronese, N.; Fabris, F.; Giannini, S.; Calò, L.; Piccoli, A.; Mereu, M.C.; Cosmai, L.; Ferraro, A.; Magonara, F.; Spinello, M.; Sella, S.; Plebani, M.
- Anno di pubblicazione: 2018
- Tipologia: Articolo in rivista
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/454620
Abstract
Background: Bone Gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla)-protein (BGP or osteocalcin) is a vitamin K-dependent protein involved in the regulation of bone mineralization. Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Methods: We carried out a secondary analysis of the Vitamin K Italian (VIKI) study to investigate the association between cigarette smoking and BGP levels in patients with end stage renal disease. Data were collected in 370 haemodialysis patients, 37% (136) smokers (or ex-smokers) and 63% (234) nonsmokers. Vascular calcifications and vertebral fractures (quantitative morphometry) were identified on spine radiographs. Results: Smokers had significantly lower BGP levels (152 vs. 204 μg/L, p=0.003). Smokers had lower plasma phosphate levels (4.2 vs. 4.7 mg/dl, p<0.01). Lower BGP levels were associated with aortic calcification (p<0.001), iliac calcification (p=0.042) and vertebral fractures (p=0.023). In addition, the regression model showed that smoking is associated with a significant reduction of total BGP levels by about 18% (p=0.01). Conclusion: This is the first clinical study in a haemodialysis population, which identifies cigarette smoking as a potential factor that can lower BGP levels, a protective agent in bone and vascular health. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers.