Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions associated with aging. It is based on an excess of bone resorption over bone formation, leading to an imbalance of bone turnover. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) is an important regulator of bone metabolism.
Objective: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate potential age- and gender-related changes in free RANKL and total RANKL (free RANKL+RANKL/osteoprotegerin complexes).
Methods: Two hundred and forty volunteers with a median age of 48 years were included in the study. Serum levels of free RANKL and total RANKL were evaluated.
Results: On average, men have a 1.77-fold higher free RANKL level and a 2.12-fold higher free/total RANKL ratio than women of the same age. On average, the RANKL levels decrease by approximately 13% every five years.
Conclusion: This study showed that serum levels of free RANKL and total RANKL decrease with age, and also revealed some gender-related differences.