Lipid clearing agents in steroid-induced osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a major complication of long-term steroid use. In this experimental study, the effect of lipid clearing agents on the preservation of bone mass was assessed. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups: normal control, steroid only, steroid plus lovastatin and steroid plus bezafibrate. Treatments were continued for either 6 to 8 weeks or 13 to 15 weeks, after which the rabbits were sacrificed. Each rabbit's trabecular bone area from the central saggital sections of the femoral head was measured. At 6 to 8 weeks there was no significant difference between the steroid groups, but at 13 to 15 weeks the bone area in the steroid only group was significantly lower than in the groups that had also received lipid clearing agents. Histologic examination of livers from the normal control group showed significantly less degeneration than in all of the steroid groups. Lipid clearing agents appear to maintain bone mass in the femoral head, but do not avert fatty changes in the liver in steroid treated rabbits. Concomitant use of lipid clearing agents with steroids may have the potential to decrease the severity of steroid induced osteoporosis.