Osteopontin: a novel inflammatory mediator of cardiovascular disease

Osteopontin, also called cytokine Eta- 1, is a multifunctional protein containing Arg- Gly- Asp- Ser ( RGDS) cell- binding sequence. It interacts with alpha v beta 1, alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 integrins and CD44 receptors. OPN is suggested to play a role during inflammation via the recruitment and retention of macrophages and T-cells to inflamed sites. OPN regulates the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in macrophages. In this review, we will discuss diverse roles of OPN related to cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, valvular stenosis, hypertrophy, myocardial infarction and heart failure.