BACKGROUND:  Osteoporosis is a disease where the loss of bone density leads to fragile bones that can break or fracture. This condition affects millions of Americans each year, and women are four times more likely to develop the disease than men. Osteoporosis causes 1.5 million fractures annually in the elderly, and the national cost for osteoporotic fractures is estimated to be $18 billion per year and rising. There are currently several treatments for osteoporosis, including intermittent injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, patients who have abnormal cholesterol lipid levels do not fully benefit from the PTH treatment. There is a need to enhance or supplement osteoporosis treatments in order for hyperlipidemic patients to benefit from the PTH treatment.

INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have identified a novel concept in which hyperlipidemic patients with osteoporosis need to correct their lipid profile prior to PTH treatments. Current testing with mice has shown that mice with high LDL cholesterol levels are not able to increase bone density with PTH treatments. However, once hyperlipidemic mice have been treated with agents that lower lipids or lipid oxidation products, PTH effects can be restored.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Supplement and enhance efficacy of PTH treatments for osteoporosis patients with high cholesterol levels

ADVANTAGES

• Restore effects of PTH treatments in hyperlipidemic patients with osteoporosis

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  Investigators are testing this concept with hyperlipidemic mice.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2008-483