The Role of Osteoprotegerin as a Cardioprotective Versus Reactive Inflammatory Marker: the Chicken or the Egg Paradox

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most frequent causes of mortalityand morbidity worldwide. Several variables have been identified asrisk factors for cardiovascular disease. Recently, the role of receptoractivator of nuclear factor kappa B, receptor activator of nuclear factorkappa B ligand, and the osteoprotegerin system has been recognized asmore important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Besidestheir roles in the regulation of bone resorption, these moleculeshave been reported to be associated with the pathophysiology ofcardiovascular disease. There are conflicting data regarding theimpact of osteoprotegerin, a glycoprotein with a regulatory role in thecardiovascular system. The aim of this review is to discuss the currentknowledge and the role of osteoprotegerin in cardiovascular disease.