Increased levels of bone remodeling biomarkers (osteoprotegerin and osteopontin) in hypertensive individuals

Abstract

Objectives: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteopontin (OPN) are bone metabolism biomarkers which are involved in the regulation of vascular calcification processes and prediction of future adverse cardiac events.

Design and methods: OPG, OPN levels and classic risk factors were determined in 130 asymptomatic and hypertensive subjects. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.

Results: The hypertensive subjects had elevated OPG, OPN, fibrinogen, CRP and fasting glucose levels in comparison to the normotensive ones. There were significant correlations between age, CRP and OPG. Multiple regression analysis showed that as well as inflammation (CRP), age and hypertension were predictors of increased OPG levels. OPN increase was correlated with CRP and glucose levels. The AUCs were similar for OPG and OPG biomarkers.

Conclusions: Plasma OPG and OPN levels were significantly associated with inflammation and arterial hypertension. They might be useful as additional biomarkers for monitoring endothelial dysfunction and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.