GAMMA‐carboxyglutamate excretion and calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis

Jane B. Lian*, Lauren M. Pachman, Caren M. Gundberg, RAYMOND E.H. Partridge, Mona C. Maryjowski

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Proteins containing gamma‐carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) are present in subcutaneous calcifications of adults with dermatomyositis or scleroderma. Sixteen children with juvenile dermatomyositis, including 7 with subcutaneous calcifications, were studied to determine if abnormal synthesis or turnover of Gla‐containing proteins occurred. All study children had increased excretion of the amino acid that was greater than that of age‐and sex‐matched controls. Patients who had juvenile dermatomyositis with calcifications had a 3‐fold increase in Gla excretion, and those without calcinosis had a 2‐fold increase. Five other children with various connective tissue disorders and subcutaneous calcification had 2‐fold increased Gla excretion. Decreased excretion of this amino acid was associated with salicylate therapy (80 mg/kg/24 hours). The data suggest an abnormal turnover of Gla‐containing proteins in juvenile dermatomyositis. Metabolism of these proteins may be involved in the pathophysiology of soft‐tissue calcification in children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1094-1100
Number of pages7
JournalArthritis & Rheumatism
Volume25
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1982

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'GAMMA‐carboxyglutamate excretion and calcinosis in juvenile dermatomyositis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this