Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein involved in the regulation of bone remodelling. OPG regulates osteoclast activity by blocking the interaction between the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL). More and more studies confirm the relationship between OPG and cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed that a high plasma concentration of OPG and a low concentration of tumour necrosis factor–related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) together with a high OPG/TRAIL ratio are predictors of poor prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction. A high plasma OPG concentration and a high ratio of OPG/TRAIL in the acute myocardial infarction are a prognostic indicator of adverse left ventricular remodelling and of the development of heart failure. Ever more data indicates the participation of OPG in the regulation of the function of vascular endothelial cells and the initiation of the atherosclerotic process in the arteries. Additionally, it has been shown that TRAIL has a protective effect on blood vessels and exerts an anti-atherosclerotic effect. The mechanisms of action of both OPG and TRAIL within the cells of the vascular wall are complex and remain largely unclear. However, these mechanisms of action as well as their interaction in the local vascular environment are of great interest to researchers. This article presents the current state of knowledge on the mechanisms of action of OPG and TRAIL in the circulatory system and their role in cardiovascular diseases. Understanding these mechanisms may allow their use as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases in the future.

骨保护素 (OPG) 是一种参与骨重塑调节的糖蛋白。OPG 通过阻断核因子 kappa B (RANK) 的受体激活剂与其配体 (RANKL) 之间的相互作用来调节破骨细胞活性。越来越多的研究证实了 OPG 与心血管疾病之间的关系。大量研究证实，高血浆 OPG 浓度和低浓度肿瘤坏死因子相关凋亡诱导配体 (TRAIL) 以及高 OPG/TRAIL 比值是心肌梗死患者预后不良的预测因素。急性心肌梗死中高血浆 OPG 浓度和高 OPG/TRAIL 比率是不良左心室重构和心力衰竭发展的预后指标。越来越多的数据表明 OPG 参与了血管内皮细胞功能的调节和动脉粥样硬化过程的启动。此外，已显示TRAIL对血管具有保护作用并发挥抗动脉粥样硬化作用。OPG 和 TRAIL 在血管壁细胞内的作用机制很复杂，并且在很大程度上仍不清楚。然而，研究人员对这些作用机制以及它们在局部血管环境中的相互作用非常感兴趣。本文介绍了关于 OPG 和 TRAIL 在循环系统中的作用机制及其在心血管疾病中的作用的最新知识。了解这些机制可能允许它们在未来用作心血管疾病的治疗靶点。