Role of the OPG/RANK/RANKL triad in calcifications of the atheromatous plaques: Comparison between carotid and femoral beds

► Carotid plaques are less rich in calcium than femoral samples. ► Higher frequently of OPG staining in carotid than in femoral plaques. ► Lower serum OPG level in carotid compared to femoral population. ► Correlation between OPG expression and macrophage infiltration in carotid specimens. ► RANK and RANKL are equally expressed in both arterial beds.