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Tibolone inhibits bone resorption without secondary positive effects on cartilage degradation

M A Karsdal1, I Byrjalsen, D J Leeming

  • 1Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark. mk@nordicbioscience.com

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|November 21, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tibolone significantly reduced bone resorption in postmenopausal women but did not affect cartilage degradation. This suggests an uncoupling of bone and cartilage effects for this synthetic steroid.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Osteoarthritis involves increased bone resorption and cartilage degradation.
  • Tibolone is a synthetic steroid with multiple hormonal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Tibolone's dual action on bone and cartilage turnover.
  • To compare Tibolone's effects with Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a 2-year randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
  • 91 healthy postmenopausal women received Tibolone (1.25 or 2.5 mg/day) or placebo.
  • Urine samples analyzed for bone resorption (CTX-I) and cartilage degradation (CTX-II) markers.

Main Results:

  • Tibolone significantly suppressed bone resorption by approximately 60% (P < 0.001).
  • No significant effect of Tibolone on cartilage degradation was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Tibolone demonstrates an uncoupling of bone and cartilage effects.
  • Bone resorption is decreased, while cartilage degradation remains unchanged.
  • Tibolone's complex pharmacology may explain these distinct effects on bone and cartilage.

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