Abstract 396: Serum Osteoprotegerin (OPG) Differs Significantly in Patients with Calcified Aortic Valve Stenosis in Relation to the Presence of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background. We concentrated on OPG/RANKL in patients with symptomatic calcified AoS of the trileaflet valve, who were being considered for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods. Serum levels of cytokines were measured in: Group A (N = 101) patients with AoS and normal coronary arteries (assessed using coronary angiography), Group B (N = 105) patients with AoS and significant (stenosis > 50%) coronary atherosclerosis. Control groups consisted of patients without AoS and with normal coronary arteries (group C, N = 39) or with significant coronary atherosclerosis (Group D, N = 30). Results. Values of OPG were significantly higher in patients with AoS and normal coronary arteries compared to controls with normal coronary arteries and without AoS. No difference was observed between levels of OPG in patients with AoS and CAD and control group of patients with CAD and without AoS. Multivariable analyses underscored these results (table). Serum levels of RANKL did not differ significantly between groups A vs. C. Serum OPG did not change significantly in patients after AVR (Group A). The difference in serum concentration of OPG in patients after AVR and CABG (Group B) was significant (p<0.001). Conclusion. Serum OPG differs significantly in patients with calcified aortic stenosis in relation to the presence of significant coronary atherosclerosis. Our results suggest that OPG plays and important role in pathomechanism of calcified aortic valve disease in patients without coronary atherosclerosis