Statins as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Abstract

We read with interest the article entitled "Comparative impact of systemic delivery of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin on bone mineral density of the ovariectomized rats" which was recently published by Shahrezaee and coworkers [1]. In this study, oral treatment with simvastatin (25 mg/kg/day), and lovastatin (20 mg/kg/ day) for 60 days significantly increased serum calcium level, expression of osteogenic genes, trabecular bone mineral density (BMD), the bone volume/total volume, and bone thickness in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Both biomechanical parameters, ultimate load and stiffness, in femur and vertebra were significantly improved only by simvastatin versus the OVX group.However, protective effects of statins against osteoporosis should not be underestimated. We recently reported that in healthy female rats, orally administered rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin (20 and 40 mg/kg) for three weeks did not change bone mineral density, T scores and tibia lengths but significantly improved biomechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and yield force) of tibia specimens even within this relatively shorter treatment period [2]. Bone fragility is not solely dependent on bone mass; improved bone strength is associated with enhanced bone turnover which may be supported by higher statin doses [2]. If Shahrezaee and coworkers had utilized a wider dose range, they would have been able to efficiently compare the anti-osteoporotic effects of statins in OVX rats. In line with our experimental data, a recent population-based cohort study reported that high (rosuvastatin and atorvastatin) and moderate potency (simvastatin) statins more effectively reduced the risk of newonset osteoporosis [3].As presented by the experimental and clinical data on healthy bones, statins require attention as potential agents not only for the treatment but also for the prevention of osteoporosis.

High-carbohydrate, High-fat Diet-induced Hyperlipidemia Hampers the Differentiation Balance of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Suppressing Autophagy via the AMPK/ mTOR Pathway in Rat Models

“…Low bone mineral density (BMD) were found in postmenopausal women with high serum total cholesterol (TC). Moreover, statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, have an anabolic effect on bone [4]. The disorders of bone metabolism caused by hyperlipidemia is not conducive to dental implant therapy since the bone quantity, quality and healing potential are of vital importance in osseointegration [5,6].…”