Vol 8, No 5 (2007): Practical Diabetology
Review article
Published online: 2007-05-24
The role of osteoprotegerin/RANKL/RANK axis in diabetes complications and coronary heart disease
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2007;8(5):161-164.
Abstract
Osteoprotegerin and RANKL are cytokines belonging
to the TNF family which regulate osteoclastogenesis
and may play role in vascular calcification. Abnormalities
in osteoprotegerin/RANKL/RANK system
have been described in many diseases. Recent clinical
studies suggest significant correlation between
elevated serum OPG levels and coronary artery disease
as well as cardiovascular mortality. Increased
OPG levels were also observed in patients with diabetes
and in subjects with diabetes and microangiopathy.
Charcot arthropathy is characterized by
the presence of osteopenia and vascular calcification.
OPG and RANKL - as cytokines involved in both
processes - may play a significant role in the pathogenesis
of this complication
Keywords: osteoprotegerinvascular calcificationcoronary artery diseasediabetes mellitusCharcot arthropathy