The relation between osteoprotegerin, inflammatory processes, and atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate osteoprotegerin serum concentration (and compare with healthy controls), to estimate the relationship between serum osteoprotegerin and lipid parameters, insulin resistance, and selected inflammatory factors, and to assess the relationship between osteoprotegerin and intima media thickness in patients with metabolic syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 70 individuals aged 18-65 years with metabolic syndrome were enrolled. Anthropometric parameters, including body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio, were assessed. The relative and absolute fat tissue contents were evaluated. Serum glucose, insulin, osteoprotegerin, C-reactive protein, and lipid profile were determined. Insulin resistance was calculated using Homeostasis Model Assessment. Intima media complex thickness was evaluated in each participant.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between patients and the controls with respect to lipid and carbohydrate profiles. Osteoprotegerin was significantly elevated in metabolic syndrome patients compared to the controls. Both C-reactive protein serum concentration and insulin resistance increased in the metabolic syndrome patients. Significant positive correlations between osteoprotegerin serum concentration and body mass index, waist-hip ratio, C-reactive protein serum concentration, and insulin resistance, were documented in patients with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with metabolic syndrome have increased osteoprotegerin serum levels than healthy individuals. Osteoprotegerin plays an important role in the development of arteriosclerosis, and the effect of osteoprotegerin on intima media thickness strongly depends on the extent of the arteriosclerotic changes that occur in metabolic syndrome.