Nitrate Use and Bone Mineral Density at the Hip and Spine

Abstract

Abstract
In vitro, animal and human studies suggest that the use of organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, and isosorbide dinitrate, is associated with positive bone effects. Organic nitrates, which act as nitric oxide (NO) donors, primarily influence bone remodeling, ultimately affecting bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. This review will summarize the relationship between bone remodeling and osteoporotic fracture risk, the mechanisms by which organic nitrates influence bone remodeling, and the clinical data that have been reported on the association between organic nitrates and BMD. While the current data are consistent with the concept that organic nitrates may be useful for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, further research is needed in the area.

Keywords
Organic nitrates, osteoporosis, bone remodeling, bone mineral density, fracture

Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Received: January 14, 2010 Accepted: February 19, 2010 Citation: US Musculoskeletal Review, 2010;5:42–45
Correspondence: Sophie A Jamal, MD, PhD, Multidisciplinary Osteoporosis Research Program, 818E 76 Grenville St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada. E: sophie.jamal@utoronto.ca