Role of Lipids in Osteoporotic Bone Loss

Osteoporotic bone loss is characterized by a marked decrease in osteoblast number and bone forming activity, in the face of an unaltered or slightly increased osteoclastic bone resorption.(3) Recent evidence suggests that hyperlipidemia may contribute to osteoporosis, and that lipid oxidation may be the mechanism underlying this process. Oxidized lipids have been shown to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation in vitro,(14) and in vivo studies have found that a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet reduces bone mineral density.(15) There is also strong epidemiological evidence suggesting that elevated lipid levels may play a significant pathogenic role in age-related osteoporosis in patients. Furthermore, studies have shown that lipid-lowering therapy in osteoporotic patients may reduce fracture incidence and have an anabolic effect on bone formation. These findings suggest that using antioxidants, in addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, may be an effective method for preventing osteoporotic bone loss