Osteoprotegerin as a marker of atherosclerosis: a systematic update

Abstract Objective: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) may be involved in development of atherosclerosis. To evaluate plasma concentrations of OPG in individuals with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) a systematic literature review was performed. Design and methods: Studies investigating OPG concentrations in stable CAD, ACS, PAD and CBVD were extracted from PubMed and the Cochrane Library, retrieving 280 articles. Non-relevant articles were excluded and after thorough evaluation, and only 14 studies with clearly defined cohorts qualified for this review. Results: In 11 studies OPG concentrations were elevated. Severity of atherosclerosis was significantly associated with higher OPG concentrations compared to healthy controls. No association between PAD and OPG concentrations was observed. Conclusion: OPG concentrations are associated with the presence and severity of stable CAD, ACS and CBVD. Larger studies are needed to reach conclusions concerning OPG concentrations in PAD. Studies addressing a putative role for OPG in suspected CAD and CBVD are warranted.