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Osteoprotegerin levels predict calcification and atherosclerosis in hypertension and diabetes type 2

Serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family (TNF-ɑ), has been associated with calcification and atherosclerosis. We studied in patients with and without aortic stenosis (AS) the association between serum OPG and atherosclerosis risk factors. 51 patients with AS without coronary artery disease (CAD ; excluded by cardiac catheterization), were age and gender matched with 39 controls (CAD excluded by echocardiography and ergometrical testing). We determined the serum levels of OPG, as well as other well known atherosclerosis risk factors for both populations (hypertension, diabetes type 2, gender, hyperlipidemia, smoking, obesity). The sample means, standard deviations and medians were calculated for all variables in each group, whereas Mann Whitney as non-parameter test was used to calculate distribution differences for continuous variables. Serum OPG levels were not only higher in hypertensive (p<0, 001) or diabetic (p<0, 007) patients with AS, but also in control group (p<0, 024 for hypertension, p<0, 001 for diabetes) without any valve or coronary disease. Regarding other cardiovascular risk factors, no statistically significant differences were noted. In conclusion, osteoprotegerin may serve as an indicator of diabetes- and hypertension- associated vascular pathologies even prior to occurrence of symptomatic CAD or calcified valve disease.

osteoprotegerin ; atherosclerosis ; hypertension ; diabetes type 2

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