Decreased Cathepsin K Plasma Level may Reflect an Association of Osteopoenia/Osteoporosis with Coronary Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Calcification in Male Patients with Stable Angina.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs) in male patients with stable angina depending on the bone mineral density (BMD), coronary atherosclerosis (CA) and coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Methods: We recruited 112 males with verified stable angina. All the patients underwent coronary angiography, multislice spiral computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Plasma levels of BTMs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Osteopoenia and osteoporosis were reported in 90 (80.4%) and 34 (30.4%) patients, respectively. Multivessel coronary artery disease, severe CA and CAC, decreased cathepsin K plasma level, and increased osteocalcin plasma level were significantly more prevalent in patients with osteopoenia/osteoporosis compared to the subjects with normal BMD. Patients with severe CA and CAC had significantly reduced cathepsin K plasma levels.

Conclusions: We revealed a significant association of osteopoenia/osteoporosis with severe CA and CAC in males with stable angina. Cathepsin K and osteocalcin plasma levels may be suggested as the significant markers of osteopoenia/osteoporosis. In addition, cathepsin K plasma level can be also a valuable marker of severe CA and CAC.