OPG meaning in Medical ?

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), also known as osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) or tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B (TNFRSF11B), is a cytokine receptor of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily encoded by the TNFRSF11B gene.

OPG was first discovered as a novel secreted TNFR related protein that played a role in the regulation of bone density and later for its role as a decoy receptor for Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). OPG also binds to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and inhibits TRAIL induced apoptosis of specific cells, including tumour cells. Other OPG ligands include syndecan-1, glycosaminoglycans, von Willebrand Factor, and Factor VIII-von Willebrand Factor complex.

OPG has been identified as having a role in tumour growth and metastasis, heart disease, immune system development and signalling, mental health, diabetes, and the prevention of pre-eclampsia and osteoporosis during pregnancy.