Bone mineral density in statin users: a population-based analysis from a Spanish cohort

Abstract

We studied 2,315 subjects (1,422 women and 893 men) from the Camargo Cohort and analyzed the differences in BMD between statin or non-statin users. We also studied effects of the type of statin, dose, pharmacokinetic properties, and length of treatment on bone mineral density (BMD). Of the subjects, 478 (21 %) were taking statins (256 women and 222 men). Overall, they had higher BMD than non-users (p < 0.0001). In adjusted multivariate models, women taking statins had higher BMD at femoral neck (p = 0.002) and total hip (p = 0.04) than non- users. No differences were found in men. Women taking simvastatin had higher increases in BMD than non-statin users at femoral neck (p = 0.02) and total hip (p = 0.009), those taking fluvastatin had lower BMD values at lumbar spine (p = 0.028), and those receiving lovastatin had higher increases at femoral neck (p = 0.006). In men, only atorvastatin was associated with higher femoral neck BMD than non-statin use (p = 0.029). Comparing with non-statin users, only women receiving lipophilic statins had greater BMD at femoral neck (p = 0.003). According to drug potency, women on high- or lower-potency agents showed higher BMD values at femoral neck than non-users (p = 0.028 and 0.022, respectively). In men, only high-potency statins were associated with higher femoral neck BMD than non-use (p = 0.021). No differences between dose or length of statin therapy were noted regarding BMD in either sex. In summary, in a large population-based cohort, women on statins had higher BMD at the hip than non-users. Overall, this increase in BMD was more evident in subjects on lipophilic or high-potency statins.

Ischemic heart disease is associated with lower cortical volumetric bone mineral density of distal radius

“…Statins are drugs with seemingly multiple actions, for which a possible effect on bone mass has been pointed out. However, such an effect is still discussed, and conflicting results have been published in this regard [51]. This is the first study about statin use and bone microarchitecture, and we found trabecular abnormalities at the distal tibia in men.…”

Effects of growth hormone administration for 6months on bone turnover and bone marrow fat in obese premenopausal women

“…Moreover, lipids and lipoproteins, which are elevated in abdominal obesity, have been shown to inhibit osteoblast differentiation and to enhance osteoclast differentiation and survival (12, 24). Statin therapy to lower hyperlipidemia is associated with increased BMD and decreased fracture risk (25, 26) and bisphosphonates lower serum LDL cholesterol and apoB (27), supporting a connection between bone and lipid metabolism. In addition, vitamin D levels are reduced in patients with abdominal adiposity (28), in part due to sequestration of vitamin D, a fat soluble molecule, in adipose tissue.…”

Relationship between spinal osteoarthritis and vertebral fractures in men older than 50 years: data from the Camargo Cohort Study

“…The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee, and all subjects gave written informed consent. Details of the Camargo Cohort Study have been previously reported [12,13]. On February 2010, all men included in the Camargo cohort (n = 520) were included in our study.…”