Functional vitamin K status and lung function in the Danish general population: The DanFunD study

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Vitamin K activates vitamin K-dependent proteins or Gla proteins by a process called γ-carboxylation. The most well-described Gla proteins are coagulation factors. However, other Gla proteins, such as the Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) may also exert important functions. MGP is present in various tissues, including lung tissue. The inactive form of MGP dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated MGP (dpucMGP) has been associated with elastin degradation in lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it has been associated with COVID-19 mortality. Dp-ucMGP has been proposed as a biomarker of functional vitamin K status. We aim to assess the association between functional vitamin K levels and lung function to elaborate on vitamin K's role in lung diseases. Methods: In a cohort, representative of the Danish general population, the DanFunD study, we will assess the association between functional vitamin K status (reflected by dp-ucMGP plasma levels) and lung function. The 4,096 participants were examined between 2017 and 2020 with a general health examination, questionnaires, spirometry, step test, and blood and urine samples. Using linear regression models, we estimate the association between dp-ucMGP and continuous measurements of lung function. Furthermore, in multiple logistic regression models, we estimate the association between dp-ucMGP and dichotomous outcomes of respiratory symptoms. Results: Preliminary crude analyses suggest that higher levels of dp-ucMGP are associated with having an FEV1 below 80% of the expected value. Conclusions: Results will be presented at the Nordic Lung Congress.