Osteocalcin-expressing endothelial progenitor cells and serum osteocalcin forms are independent biomarkers of coronary atherosclerotic disease severity in male and female patients.

This study showed a significant association between EPCs (CD34 - /CD133 + /KDR + /OC +), CAD severity and CVRFs, suggesting an active role for EPC OC + in the development of CAD. An inverse correlation between TOC, ucOC, and number of CVRFs was observed, suggesting that OC, regardless of its carboxylation status, may be developed as a further cardiovascular risk biomarker.