Potential mechanisms and applications of statins on osteogenesis: Current modalities, conflicts and future directions

Statins are known for their beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. Besides the lipid-lowering properties, statins exert their anabolic effects on the bone by differentiating mesenchymal cells to osteoblasts via upregulating BMP-2 and protecting osteoblasts from apoptosis. In addition, statins have been suggested to be anti-osteoclastic by reducing the osteoclast differentiation and activity. Several in vivo and clinical studies have...