BACKGROUND: Statins have been suggested as potential agents in the management of osteoporosis. Reviews of medical records have shown an increased bone mass and some studies have shown a reduced occurrence of fractures in subjects on long-term treatment with statins. We studied the effects of treatment with statins on calcium homeostasis, bone turnover and bone mineral density. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional design, plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical markers of bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (fat- and lean tissue-mass) were measured in 140 postmenopausal women who had been treated with a statin for more than 2 years (median 4 years) and compared to 140 age- and gender-matched, population-based controls. RESULTS: Plasma levels of bone turnover markers were lower in the statin-treated subjects than in the controls: osteocalcin (-9%, P = 0.03), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (-14%, P < 0.01), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (-11%, P < 0.01). On the other hand, plasma PTH levels were 16% higher in the statin-treated subjects than in the controls (P < 0.01). However, body composition and BMD at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm and whole body did not differ between the two groups. No correlation could be demonstrated between changes in biochemical quantities and dose or duration of statin use. CONCLUSION: Our data show that statins affect the function of bone cells. Most likely, the effect is antiresorptive.
BACKGROUND: Statins have been suggested as potential agents in the management of osteoporosis. Reviews of medical records have shown an increased bone mass and some studies have shown a reduced occurrence of fractures in subjects on long-term treatment with statins. We studied the effects of treatment with statins on calcium homeostasis, bone turnover and bone mineral density. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional design, plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and biochemical markers of bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (fat- and lean tissue-mass) were measured in 140 postmenopausal women who had been treated with a statin for more than 2 years (median 4 years) and compared to 140 age- and gender-matched, population-based controls. RESULTS: Plasma levels of bone turnover markers were lower in the statin-treated subjects than in the controls: osteocalcin (-9%, P = 0.03), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (-14%, P < 0.01), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (-11%, P < 0.01). On the other hand, plasma PTH levels were 16% higher in the statin-treated subjects than in the controls (P < 0.01). However, body composition and BMD at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm and whole body did not differ between the two groups. No correlation could be demonstrated between changes in biochemical quantities and dose or duration of statin use. CONCLUSION: Our data show that statins affect the function of bone cells. Most likely, the effect is antiresorptive.
Authors: Robert S Rosenson; Christine C Tangney; Craig B Langman; Thomas S Parker; Daniel M Levine; Bruce R Gordon Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2005-08-09 Impact factor: 4.507
Authors: Ki Hyun Baek; Won Young Lee; Ki Won Oh; Hyun Jung Tae; Jung Min Lee; En Jung Lee; Je Ho Han; Moo Il Kang; Bong Yun Cha; Kwang Woo Lee; Ho Young Son; Sung Koo Kang Journal: J Korean Med Sci Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 2.153
Authors: Lars Rejnmark; Mette Lena Olsen; Søren Paaske Johnsen; Peter Vestergaard; Henrik Toft Sørensen; Leif Mosekilde Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2004-02-17 Impact factor: 4.507
Authors: Heiner K Berthold; Susanne Unverdorben; Armin Zittermann; Ralf Degenhardt; Bernhard Baumeister; Martin Unverdorben; Wilhelm Krone; Hans Vetter; Ioanna Gouni-Berthold Journal: Osteoporos Int Date: 2004-02-14 Impact factor: 4.507