Osteoprotegerin (OPG) in Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Sputum

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted glycoprotein containing 401 amino acids. It is a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. It was firstly discovered as a protein regulating bone metabolism, inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, consequently, inhibiting bone resorption OPG is detected in lung using Northern blot analysis. It is likely that OPG would contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD and could be an effective disease marker of the disease