Stimulation of bone formation in vitro and in rodents by statins

Osteoporosis and other diseases of bone Loss are a major public health prob lem. Here it is shown that the statins, drugs widely used for Lowering seru m cholesterol, also enhance new bone formation in vitro and in rodents. Thi s 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 treat ment of osteoporosis.