The Effect of Tuberculosis on Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-k B Ligand, Osteoprotegerin, and Total Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), oxidant, and antioxidant status in untreated active pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB). Serum was obtained from 42 patients with different forms of untreated active PTB and 41 healthy subjects, as the control group. The serum levels of OPG, RANKL, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the lipid profiles were determined using standard methods. Patients with PTB were detected to have significantly higher plasma MDA, TNFa, OPG, and RANKL levels, and lower TAC levels, when compared to the healthy controls(p < 0.05 in all of the cases). Low TAC and high MDA levels in PTB patients are indicators of oxidative stress in these patients. Severe oxidative stress and increased RANKL and OPG may induce vascular calcification in PTB patients.