Stimulation of bone formation in vitro and in rodents by statins

G. Mundy, R. Garrett, Stephen E Harris, J. Chan, D. Chen, G. Rossini, B. Boyce, M. Zhao, G. Gutierrez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1599 Scopus citations

Abstract

Osteoporosis and other diseases of bone loss are a major public health problem. Here it is shown that the statins, drugs widely used for lowering serum cholesterol, also enhance new bone formation in vitro and in rodents. This effect was associated with increased expression of the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) gene in bone cells. Lovastatin and simvastatin increased bone formation when injected subcutaneously over the calvaria of mice and increased cancellous bone volume when orally administered to rats. Thus, in appropriate doses, statins may have therapeutic applications for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1946-1949
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume286
Issue number5446
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 3 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Stimulation of bone formation in vitro and in rodents by statins'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this