Serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) in healthy women and men.
BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis is one of the most common conditions associated with aging. It is based on an excess of bone resorption over bone formation, leading to an imbalance of bone turnover. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) is an important regulator of bone metabolism.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate potential age- and gender-related changes in free RANKL and total RANKL (free RANKL+RANKL/osteoprotegerin complexes).


METHODS
Two hundred and forty volunteers with a median age of 48 years were included in the study. Serum levels of free RANKL and total RANKL were evaluated.


RESULTS
On average, men have a 1.77-fold higher free RANKL level and a 2.12-fold higher free/total RANKL ratio than women of the same age. On average, the RANKL levels decrease by approximately 13% every five years.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that serum levels of free RANKL and total RANKL decrease with age, and also revealed some gender-related differences.
Kerschan-Schindl
K
K
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Katharina.Kerschan-Schindl@meduniwien.ac.at
Wendlova
J
J
Kudlacek
S
S
Gleiss
A
A
Woloszczuk
W
W
Pietschmann
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000097:blood; D018579:Patient Selection; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D053244:Osteoprotegerin; D053245:RANK Ligand; C505688:TNFSF11 protein, human