Matricellular Proteins as Biological Markers in Vascular Remodelling and Cardiovascular Outcomes

Matricellular proteins include several peptides, glycopeptides, i.e. osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteonectin (OSN), osteocalcin (OCN), sclerostin, and components of RANKL/RANK system. The main biological role of matricellular proteins is bone and extracellular matrix development, modeling, and remodeling and regulation of bone endocrine function. More evidences indicate that matricellular proteins are involved in calcification at ectopic sites, and they might play a pivotal role in atherosclerosis, plaque formation, vascular remodeling and integrity, neovascularization and malignancy. Matricellular proteins are intricately prone regulation by ischemia, hypoxia signaling system, hormones, electrolyte and mineral changes, inflammation, and they might involve in coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis during bone development and repair. Although there are not sufficient evidences that the clinical correlations of circulating levels of matricellular proteins in subjects with documented cardiovascular diseases might have predictive value, it has been suggested that exaggerated level of OPG and probably OPN and OSN would confer a better prognosis in coronary artery disease patients, especially those who are underwent revascularization procedures or have acute / acutely decompensated heart failure. This review is dedicated the discussion of controversial role of the matricellular proteins among patients with cardiovascular disease and assay a predictive value of these proteins as biomarker at risk stratification.