Microvascular dysfunction is associated with plasma osteoprotegerin levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVEOsteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein that inhibits nuclear factor-κB’s regulatory effects on inflammation, skeletal, and vascular systems, and is a potential biomarker of atherosclerosis and seems to be involved in vascular calcifications. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between OPG, left ventricular function, and microvascular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). PATIENTS AND METHODSAfter successful revascularization, noninvasive assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) was performed in the distal part of the left anterior descending artery in 183 patients with first AMI. We performed low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography to assess viability and finally we assessed the ventriculoarterial coupling (VAC). Plasma OPG was determined by ELISA. RESULTSPlasma OPG concentrations were higher in patients with impaired microcirculation (CFR