Osteoporosis and Atherosclerosis

Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are both widely prevalent in ageing population,and induce serious morbidities and death. There is growing evidence that osteoporosis and atherosclerosis have clinical interrelation. Experimental studies indicate that bone and arterial wall share some matrix proteins and factors,such as osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,matrix Gla protein,osteocalcin and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein. And both diseases may have the same physiopathologic mechanism. The osteoprotegerin / receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand / receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB system,oxidized lipids,inflammatory and calcium metabolic abnormalities may participate in or accelerate these diseases. And drugs such as stains,bisphosphonates,thiazolidinediones and osteoprotegerin which based on the biological linkage of above entities may benefit both bone and vessel. This article reviews their clinical interrelations,matrix proteins and factors shared by bone and arterial wall,the same physiopathologic mechanism,and therapies based on their interrelation.