Cardiovascular and bone diseases contribute independently to mortality and global health. The exact mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology shared between bone and vascular diseases are not well defined. Endothelial cells and osteoblasts communicate during osteogenesis, thus establishing a connection between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. One shared mechanism may involve osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligand Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). The RANKL/OPG ratio is an important modulator for the skeletal, immunological, and vascular systems. OPG levels are elevated due to either osteogenic causes or inflammatory responses in the vasculature. The data obtained from clinical and in vitro studies support the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio as a potential marker for the progression of endothelial damage. Therefore, determining the therapeutic approaches for the targeting RANKL/OPG ratio and evaluating its usage as a biomarker in cardiovascular and bone pathophysiology are needed. By integrating the protective and disease-causing role of OPG with its ligand, this review outlines the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio at the molecular level. We also consider targeted therapeutic approaches.

中文翻译：

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核因子 Kappa-B 配体受体激活剂/骨保护素比率在血管疾病中的作用：一种治疗方法

心血管和骨骼疾病独立地导致死亡率和全球健康。骨和血管疾病之间共有的病理生理学的确切机制尚不清楚。内皮细胞和成骨细胞在成骨过程中进行通讯，从而在血管生成和成骨之间建立联系。一种共同的机制可能涉及骨保护素 (OPG) 及其配体 NF-κB 配体受体激活剂 (RANKL)。RANKL/OPG 比率是骨骼、免疫和血管系统的重要调节剂。OPG 水平由于成骨原因或脉管系统炎症反应而升高。从临床和体外研究获得的数据支持 RANKL/OPG 比率作为内皮损伤进展的潜在标志物的作用。因此，需要确定针对 RANKL/OPG 比率的治疗方法，并评估其作为心血管和骨病理生理学生物标志物的用途。通过整合 OPG 及其配体的保护作用和致病作用，本综述概述了 RANKL/OPG 比率在分子水平上的作用。我们还考虑有针对性的治疗方法。