Cardiovascular Risk and Osteoporosis: Is There a Link?

Clinical studies consistently show a reciprocal link between osteoporosis and CVD which could be explained by many pathophysiological hypotheses. The most recent involves biological regulators (OPG/RANKL/RANK system) implicated in both the process of vascular calcification and bone loss. If the current hypothesis is confirmed, then assays of these factors might help to predict both CVD and osteoporosis. Although the role of OPG in the vascular system is still controversial, however, it could be a promising biomarker of progression and prognosis of CVD.