Objective: We have previously demonstrated high concentrations of the glycoprotein osteoprotegerin (OPG) in biopsies of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and demonstrated that ligation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) downregulates OPG in vitro and within a mouse model. The aims of this study were to assess the associations between circulating concentrations of OPG, polymorphisms of the gene encoding PPARgamma (PPARG), AAA presence and growth.
Design, patients and measurements: Two genetic polymorphisms in PPARG were assessed in 4227 men, 699 of whom had an AAA. For 631 men, who had AAAs, maximum aortic diameter was monitored by yearly ultrasound for a median of 5 years. Plasma OPG was measured in 838 men, 318 of whom had an AAA.
Results: Plasma concentrations of OPG were independently associated with AAA (adjusted odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.10-1.72). The PPARG c.1347C > T polymorphism was associated with plasma concentrations of OPG (beta 0.12, P < 0.01). The PPARG c.34G > C polymorphism was weakly associated with AAA (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.61). PPARG c.1347C > T was associated with increased AAA growth (recessive model, P = 0.03).
Conclusions: Circulating concentrations of osteoprotegerin are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and with one peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene polymorphism. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene polymorphisms are weakly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm presence and growth. Confirmation of these findings is required in other cohorts.