Abstract: In 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 11 controls we measured TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), OPG (osteoprotegerin), RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand) (ELISA assay). As compared with controls in patients with AMI serum levels of TRAIL are decreased but not significantly while serum levels of OPG (p < 0.001) and the OPG/TRAIL ratio (p = 0.003) are significantly elevated. Pozitive correlations

Abstract: Background Inflammation and apoptosis are associated with the progressive deterioration of left ventricular function. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble member of the TNF receptor superfamily The activity best characterized for OPG is inhibition of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). OPG can also interact with TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). OPG may exert direct biological activities independent of