[Statin and bone metabolism]

Abstract

3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Recent studies reveal that statins stimulate the bone formation, presumably through increasing the production of BMP-2, an important differentiation factor of osteoblast. Most, but not all, observational studies show that statin use is associated with a reduced rate of fracture. Randomized controlled trials are needed to judge the prophylactic effects of statins on fracture and their beneficial effects on surrogate markers for fracture, such as bone mass and bone turnover.