Inflammation-mediated vitamin K and vitamin D effects on vascular calcifications in people with HIV on active antiretroviral therapy

Background: People with HIV (PWH) experience increased systemic inflammation and monocyte activation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular events (death, stroke, and myocardial infarction) and higher coronary artery calcium scores (CACs). Vitamins D and K2 have significant anti-inflammatory effects; in addition, vitamin K2 is involved in preventing vascular calcifications in the general population. The roles of vitamins D and K in increased coronary calcifications in successfully treated PWH is less understood. Methods: We prospectively recruited 237 PWH on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 67 healthy controls. CACs were derived from noncontrast chest computed tomography (CT) and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) and inactive vitamin K-dependent dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-uc MGP, marker of vitamin K deficiency) were measured in plasma during a fasting state. The relationship between inflammation markers, dp-uc MGP, and vitamin D on CACs were estimated using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Adjusted models included 25(OH)D, MGP, sex, race, age, and markers of inflammation or monocyte activation. Results: Overall, controls had lower median age (45.8 vs. 48.8; P = 0.03), a larger proportion of female individuals (55.2 vs. 23.6%; P 
Source: AIDS - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: CLINICAL SCIENCE Source Type: research