Plasma osteoprotegerin as a marker of documented coronary atherosclerosis in type two diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a member of tumor necrosis factor superfamily, belonging to the class of inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis [1]. OPG is expressed in vivo by osteoblasts, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells of the arteries and veins media and is a specific receptor for the ligand receptor activation of nuclear transcription factor kappa beta (receptor for receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand - RANKL) and TNFalpha- dependent ligand inducing apoptosis (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosisinducing ligand - TRAIL)[2].