Coronary artery calcification is associated with high serum concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in asymptomatic Korean men

ContextOsteocalcin is associated with energy metabolism and atherosclerosis, besides bone metabolism. However, the association between osteocalcin or its undercarboxylated form (ucOC) and coronary artery calcification is controversial. ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the concentration of serum osteocalcin and ucOC. DesignCross-sectional. PatientsA total of 162 subjects (114 men and 48 women) with no angina symptom. MeasurementsSerum analyses included glucose, insulin and lipid profiles as well as osteocalcin and ucOC. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. CACS was measured using multidetector computed tomography and categorized into CACS=0 and CACS>0. ResultsThe mean osteocalcin concentration in men was 15642 for CACS=0 group and 141 +/- 40 for CACS>0 group, respectively (P=0050). In women, the osteocalcin concentration, ucOC concentration and ucOC to osteocalcin ratio (OCR) were not different between the CACS groups. However, the concentrations of osteocalcin and ucOC were significantly lower in women with hypertension or diabetes than those without, respectively. In the multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for medical history, body mass index, lipid profiles, insulin resistance and BMD in men, the higher concentration of ucOC and higher OCR showed significant association with coronary calcification (CACS>0). ConclusionHigher ucOC concentration was associated with coronary artery calcification independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors and BMD in men.