Wei FF, et al. - Researchers used multivariable-adjusted analyses to examine the link between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) in 1009 randomly recruited Flemish (50.6% women). They detected an increase in dp-ucMGP by 23.0% and a decrease in eGFR by 4.05 mL/min/1.73 m² from baseline to follow-up 8.9 years later (median). They found that prediction of renal dysfunction was achieved by circulating inactive dp-ucMGP, a biomarker of poor vitamin K status. The suggested possible underlying mechanisms included protection by activated matrix Gla protein against calcification and inhibition of the bone morphogenetic protein-signalling pathway.