The role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) receptor activator for nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) in cardiovascular pathology - a review

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2011 Dec;161(23-24):565-70. doi: 10.1007/s10354-011-0022-7. Epub 2011 Sep 2.

Abstract

Initially described as key regulators in metabolic bone disease osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL) have also been discriminated as regulators in immunologic function. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) develop over many years in life and are often triggered by inflammatory processes within the vessel wall that lead to vascular remodeling. Recently some study groups have described OPG as a prognostic parameter for mortality and morbidity in cardiovascular patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Arteriosclerosis / physiopathology
  • Bone Density / physiology
  • Bone Resorption / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Coronary Disease / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoclasts / physiology
  • Osteoporosis / physiopathology
  • Osteoprotegerin
  • Prognosis
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • Sex Factors
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Osteoprotegerin
  • RANK Ligand
  • Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B
  • TNFSF11 protein, human