Nitric oxide as the mediator of the antiosteoporotic actions of estrogen, statins, and essential fatty acids

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2002 Feb;227(2):88-93. doi: 10.1177/153537020222700202.

Abstract

Estrogen, statins, and essential fatty acids and their metabolites can prevent osteoporosis. However, it is not certain how these three structurally different agents can have the same beneficial action. It is suggested that all three, in addition to their other modes of action in the prevention of osteoporosis, have the ability to augment constitutional (or endothelial) nitric oxide generation, which is known to be beneficial in osteoporosis. If so, it will be interesting to study whether nitric oxide donors and/or nitric oxide precursors can be given together with estrogen, statins, or essential fatty acids to potentiate their benefit in osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Synergism
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Fatty Acids, Essential / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Essential / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Essential / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / pharmacology
  • Nitric Oxide Donors / therapeutic use
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism*

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Fatty Acids, Essential
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Donors
  • Nitric Oxide