The role of statins as potential targets for bone formation.
Inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase enzyme have recently been shown to stimulate bone formation in rodents both in vitro and in vivo. In bone cells, these inhibitors increase the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2, which is an autocrine-paracrine factor for osteoblast differentiation. The findings that statins increase bone formation and bone mass in rodents suggest a potential new action for these compounds, which may be beneficial in patients with established osteoporosis where marked bone loss has occurred. Recent clinical data suggest that they may reduce the risk of fracture in patients taking these drugs.
Garrett
I Ross
IR
OsteoScreen, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. garrett@osteoscreen.com
Mundy
Greg R
GR
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051379:Mice; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta
C525718:BMP2 protein, human; C525719:Bmp2 protein, mouse; C525720:Bmp2 protein, rat; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta