Statin and BMP

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are cytokines that promote differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into differentiated osteoblasts and bone formation. Recently, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) emerged as a candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis, because they stimulate BMP-2 expression and bone formation. Inhibition of Rho/Rho-kinase pathway may be involved in statin effect on bone formation.