Pathogenesis of Aortic Stenosis in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Objective. To assess osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble ligand receptor activator of transcription factor kappa-B (RANKL) levels in patients with aortic stenosis and systemic hypertension.Design and methods. Sixty-one patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) [31 patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and 30 patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV)] were examined. Thirty-two patients without heart diseases formed the control group. Serum levels of C-reactive protein, ОPG, sRANKL and lipid profile were assessed in all patients.Results. Elevated blood pressure (BP) was found in 93 % patients with TAV and in 71 % patients with BAV. Serum concentration of OPG was increased in patients with TAV and BAV vs control group. OPG concentration was negatively correlated with BP level only in patients with TAV. sRANKL level was increased only in patients with BAV. At the same time sRANKL level positively correlated with BP in patients with TAV. Conclusion. Systemic hypertension is the key risk factor for OPG/RANKL/RANK system activation in patients without congenital heart disease.