Molecular markers that link inflammatory atherosclerosis and OP include markers of systemic inflammation including CRP, pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, angiogenic mediators (PDGF-BB, angiopoietin 1 and 2, thrombospondin 1), BNP and markers of bone metabolism (osteoprotegerin, RANKL, sclerostin, 25-OH-vitamin D3, PTH and cathepsin K)1,7,9,17,18,20–25. The gene discussed is NPPB; the disease is atherosclerosis.