Inactive matrix gla protein plasma levels are associated with peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes

Aims/Hypothesis Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a frequent and severe complication of diabetes. As Matrixgla-protein (MGP) is expressed in several components of the nervous system and is involved in some neurological disease, MGP could play a role in peripheral nervous system homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors associated with sensitive diabetic neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes, and, in particular, dephospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP), the inactive form of MGP. Methods 198 patients with Type 2 Diabetes were included. Presence of sensitive diabetic neuropathy was defined by a neuropathy disability score (NDS) >= 6. Plasma levels of dp-ucMGP were measured by ELISA. Results In this cohort, the mean age was 64+/-8.4 years old, and 80% of patients were men. Peripheral neuropathy was present in 15.7% of the patients and was significantly associated (r = 0.51, p Conclusions The association between diabetic neuropathy and the inactive form of MGP suggests the existence of new pathophysiological pathways to explore. Further studies are needed to determine if dp-ucMGP may be used as a biomarker of sensitive neuropathy. Since dp-ucMGP is a marker of poor vitamin K status, clinical studies are warranted to explore the potential protective effect of high vitamin K intake on diabetic peripheral neuropathy