Skeletal tissue undergoes continuous remodeling which makes it unique among other body tissues.
Osteoporosis is a common bone metabolic disorder affecting both men and women.
Osteoporosis and its complications mainly
osteoporotic fractures, have a high impact on health and economy. Current approved medications are associated with numerous side effects, which limit their use. Identification of a new and safe
therapy is mandatory.
Statins, also known as HMGCoA
reductase inhibitors, are frequently used for the treatment of
hypercholesterolemia and for the prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with
cardiovascular disease.
Statins improved bone health status in intact and ovariectomised rodents following high clinically intolerable oral doses. However, this beneficial effect of
statins could not be significantly demonstrated in humans. The reason behind this discrepancy might be due to the safety and bioavailability of the currently used oral
statins.
Vitamin E, especially the
tocotrienols at the dose 60 mg/kg/day provided significant antiosteoporotic effects in different animal models of
osteoporosis. The use of the aforementioned dose of
tocotrienols was shown to be safe in both humans and animals. Enhancement of bone formation and reduction of
bone resorption were achieved more effectively by a combination of
tocotrienols and
statins than by either treatment when supplemented separately at clinically tolerable doses. Therefore, the adverse effects associated with high
statin doses might be avoided with the coadministration of
tocotrienols. Moreover, the combination
therapy strategy might be useful for patients who are at high risk of
osteoporosis, cardiovascular events and hypercholesterolaemia.