Bone metabolism and the cardiometabolic syndrome: pathophysiologic insights
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, SUNY-Downstate and Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. smcfarlane@downstate.edu
Insights
Cardiometabolic syndrome components like hypertension and inflammation are linked to low bone density and osteoporosis. Research explores treatments for both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) components, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, are increasingly recognized as risk factors for reduced bone mineral density (BMD).
- These CMS risk factors share common pathogenic pathways with osteoporosis, the most prevalent metabolic bone disease.
- Inflammation, a key factor in atherosclerosis, also significantly contributes to the development of osteoporosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence linking bone metabolism with cardiometabolic syndrome.
- To highlight significant research on the interaction between bone health and CMS.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies for treating both osteoporosis and atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on cardiometabolic syndrome and bone metabolism.
- Analysis of studies investigating shared risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic targets and agents.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms that hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol are associated with lower BMD.
- Shared risk factors, particularly inflammation, play a critical role in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
- The interplay between CMS and bone health presents a complex clinical challenge.
Conclusions:
- The cardiometabolic syndrome and osteoporosis share common underlying risk factors and pathophysiological pathways.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing integrated treatment approaches.
- Future research should focus on therapies targeting shared pathways for dual benefits in cardiovascular and bone health.
Abstract:
Accumulating evidence indicates that the several components of the cardiometabolic syndrome such as hypertension, increased triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are also risk factors for low bone mineral density. Furthermore, some of the underlying risk factors for atherosclerosis in the cardiometabolic syndrome, such as inflammation, also play a major role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease. In this article for the premiere issue of the Journal of the CardioMetabolic Syndrome, the author presents the current evidence of the interaction of bone metabolism and the cardiometabolic syndrome, highlighting the major research in this area and discussing the potential of therapeutic agents that will be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis as well as atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Obesity

