Statins and Osteoporosis

Author: Lyudmila Vladimirova-Kitova, Fedya Nikolov, Ganet Mineva, Maria Orbetzova

Abstract: 

There is an increased body of evidence in the medical literature concerning the pleiotropic effects of statins – e.g. effects beyond the lipid lowering actions of these drugs. The later include improvement of different pathological conditions including osteoporosis. It is believed that statins have a bone protective effect through their anti-inflammatory actions. The impact of statins on a group of growth factors (BMPs), which are characterized by the ability to induce formation of bone and cartilage has been proven. There are some prospective studies with statin treatment that lead to increase in serum levels of osteocalcin and Vitamin D. Statin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and in postmenopausal women has positive impact on bone mineral density (BMD). Two meta-analyses showed beneficial effects of statins on BMD and fracture risk. In addition some studies indicated such effects on fracture heeling. In contrast to these data, LIPID study did not support the hypothesis that statins have clinically important effects on fracture risk. The role of statins in the development of skeletal disorders should be followed-up in purposeful studies that could adequately evaluate the effects of various representatives of this class of drugs on BMD, biochemical markers of bone metabolism and bone cells activity, and fracture risk.