Background: Many recent data support the hypothesis that circulating osteoprotegerin (OPT) levels are associated with arterial calcification and may serve as a potential predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) is considered an inhibitor of vascular calcification. However, the role of these molecules in the arterial wall is still unclear. Arterial stiffness increases in postmenopausal women. The aim of our study was to determine the relation between circulating OPT and MPG and vascular parameters of arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-four postmenopausal women, aged (61.4±10.6 years) were included in the study. PWV was measured using an oscillometric device. OPT, MGP, C-reactive protein and parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were also determined.

Results: OPT correlated with aortic PWV (r=0.32, p=0.006), and C- reactive protein (r=0.37, p=0.02). In multiple regression models, after adjustment for potential confounders, OPT was independently associated with aortic PWV. No correlation was found between MGP and aortic PWV. There were 61% hypertensives, 34% patients with diabetes, 35.4% with hyperlipemia and 41.6% with obesity or overweight, in this study.

Conclusions: These results support the relationship between serum OPT and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women, independent of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation. At the same time, MGP was not found to be a predictor of arterial stiffness.