Serum osteoprotegerin is inversely associated with carotid plaque echogenicity in humans
Abstract
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a member of the tumour necrosis factor superfamily involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and vascular calcification. High serum values of OPG are associated with cardiovascular disease in humans. The purpose was to investigate serum OPG levels in subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and the relation between OPG levels and plaque morphology. OPG levels were compared in 29 persons with echogenic carotid plaques, 30 persons with echolucent plaques and 41 persons without carotid plaques, all recruited from a population health study. Computerized assessment of plaque echogenicity was done by use of the gray scale median (GSM). Participants with echogenic carotid plaques had lower serum OPG level (1.23 ng/ml; 1.02-1.48) (geometric mean; 95% CI) than persons with echolucent plaques (1.76 ng/ml; 1.46-2.14) and those without plaques (1.89 ng/ml; 1.60-2.21). OPG and PTH were independently related to GSM. A significant trend for decrease in GSM across quartiles of OPG was found (p=0.003) which remained significant even after adjustment for PTH and smoking. The present study demonstrates lower serum OPG levels in persons with subclinical echogenic carotid plaques and identified an inverse relation between se...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Cardiovascular Inflammation
Inflammation plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, an understanding of these endogenous processes is critical for evaluating the risks and potential treatment strategies. Discover the latest research on cardiovascular inflammation here.
Cardiovascular Disease Pathophysiology
Cardiovascular disease involves several different processes that contribute to the pathological mechanism, including hyperglycemia, inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension and more. Vasculature stability plays a critical role in the development of the disease. Discover the latest research on cardiovascular disease pathophysiology here.
Atherosclerosis Disease Progression
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque on artery walls, causing stenosis which can eventually lead to clinically apparent cardiovascular disease. Find the latest research on atherosclerosis disease progression here.
Carotid Artery Diseases
Carotid artery disease is a group of pathological conditions of the carotid artery. Discover the latest research on carotid artery disease here.