ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the plasma levels and clinical significance of osteoprotegerin(OPG)and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods In 110 patients with CHF and 80 normal controls,the plasma levels of OPG and RANKL were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay method.Results The plasma level of OPG in patients with CHF[(135.91±41.83)ng/L]was significantly higher than that in normal controls[(90.13±29.09)ng/L](P＜0.05).The plasma level of RANKL in patients with CHF[(90.82±32.14)ng/L]was significantly higher than that in normal controls[(59.78±20.11)ng/L](P＜0.05).The plasma levels of OPG and RANKL increased with the augment of NYHA functional ranking(P＜0.05).The plasma levels of OPG and RANKL had negative relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction(r=-0.33 and-0.36,P＜0.05).Conclusions The plasma levels of OPG and RANKL in patients with CHF are elevated and related with heart function.OPG and RANKL may participate in the occurrence and development of CHF.