An imbalanced OPG/TRAIL ratio is associated to severe acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the biological significance of simultaneous changes in the circulating levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and, in particular, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Total levels of OPG and TRAIL were measured by ELISA in patients with AMI (n=113), unstable angina (UA, n=21) and healthy controls (n=120).

RESULTS

Since OPG was elevated during the acute phase (first 12-24-48h) after AMI and in patients with UA with respect to healthy controls, while TRAIL was decreased in acute AMI patients, CAD patients were characterized by an increased OPG/TRAIL ratio. Moreover, the OPG/TRAIL ratio was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the acute AMI patients who developed heart failure (HF) than in those who did not develop HF in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

An impaired OPG/TRAIL ratio after AMI is related to a higher risk of HF.