Possible Role of Osteoprotegerin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand as Markers of Plaque Instability in Coronary Artery Disease

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) produced by cardiovascular system raising the possibility that alterations of OPG serum levels may be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim is to assess the possible role of serum OPG and soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (s-TRAIL) in the pathology of CAD and their uses as markers of plaque stability. A total of 80 male participants were categorized into 3 groups: 28 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 32 established stable CAD, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Acute myocardial infarction and CAD groups exhibited significantly higher OPG levels and lower s-TRAIL levels compared to the stable CAD and control participants. These results are aggravated as the number of affected coronary vessels increase in AMI and stable CAD groups. Conclusion: There is an association between raised serum OPG and reduced s-TRAIL in patients with CAD. Elevation of circulating OPG levels may represent a crucial compensatory mechanism to limit further vascular damage.