The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of simvastatin therapy on bone mineral density in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women.
Fifty-three women, mean age 62,92 +6,08 years treated at the Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation Niška Banja were included into this study. All patients were divided into two groups: I group - 32 women with total cholesterol level (Hol≥7,8
mmol/l) and II control group - 21 women with total cholesterol less than 7,8 mmol/l. Triglycerides (Tg), total cholesterol (Hol), HDL and LDL cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C) were determined. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined on the lumbar spine (LlL4), by “LUNAR DPX” densitometer. The results were expressed as absolute values (g/cm2) and T score. All patients were treated with lifestyle and dietary modification, while patients in group I were treated with 20 mg of simvastat per day. Biochemical markers and bone mineral density were determined at the start and 12 months after.
Simvastatin therapy 20mg⁄day significantly reduced Hol (-12,68%; p<0,01) and LDL-C (-17,99%; p<0,005) levels after 12 months of follow-up. The concentration of TG and HDL-C showed insignificant changes. In II group, there were no significant changes in lipid parameters after 12 months of hypolipemic diet regimen. Increase in BMD +2,81%, (NS) was registered in I group, while decrease in BMD -3,45% (NS) was reported in II group. There was an inverse correlation between BMD changes and LDLC (r=-0,08; p=0,686) in the patients on statin therapy compared to I group (r=0,166, p=0,626). Also, in the same group, an inverse correlation between BMD and Hol (r=0,144; p=0,476) was reported, which was similar to I group (r=-0,125; p=0,715).These results did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusion: Simvastatin therapy showed a positive trend and increase in bone mineral densisty in hypercholesterolemic posmenopausal women after 12 months of follow-up, however, without statistically significant difference.
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