Lipid Profiles and Bone Health Interactions
Summary
Bone integrity is determined not only by genetic and hormonal factors but also by systemic lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence reveals that variations in serum lipids and their carrier proteins influence the balance between bone formation and resorption. Oxidised lipids and elevated cholesterol levels promote oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation, which divert mesenchymal stem cells towards adipogenesis at the expense of osteoblastogenesis and stimulate osteoclast differentiation via upregulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand. Conversely, certain lipid species such as triglycerides and apolipoprotein B may exert protective effects against bone loss, possibly through interactions with bone mineral density. Lipid-lowering interventions, including statins and omega-3 fatty acids, have demonstrated modest gains in bone density and reductions in fracture risk. These bidirectional interactions carry global significance given the rising prevalence of dyslipidaemia and osteoporosis in ageing populations. Integrating lipid profiling into bone health assessment may enhance fracture risk stratification and inform personalised therapeutic approaches.
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Lipid Profiles and Bone Health Interactions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in lipid profiles and bone health interactions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C): plasma lipoprotein involved in reverse cholesterol transport from tissues to the liver.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): lipoprotein responsible for delivering cholesterol to peripheral tissues.
Triglycerides (TG): esterified fatty acids and glycerol, serving as the main form of energy storage in blood.
Apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B (Apo A/Apo B): structural proteins of HDL and LDL particles, respectively, crucial for lipid transport and receptor interaction.
Bone mineral density (BMD): quantitative measure of mineral content in bone, reflecting skeletal strength and fracture risk.
Osteoblast: specialised cell that synthesises bone matrix and mediates its mineralisation.
Osteoclast: multinucleated cell that degrades bone matrix during remodelling and repair.
References
- Associations of Serum Lipid Traits With Fracture and Osteoporosis: A Prospective Cohort Study From the UK Biobank. Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle (2024).
- The role of lipid metabolism in osteoporosis: Clinical implication and cellular mechanism. Genes & Diseases (2023).
- Bone Health in Patients with Dyslipidemias: An Underestimated Aspect. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).
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