Effects of bioactive lipids and lipoproteins on bone

•A link between atherosclerotic vascular disease and bone loss is discussed.•Lipids/lipoproteins have direct effects on the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.•Lipids/lipoproteins blunt the bone anabolic effects of PTH (1–34).•Oxidant stress plays a role in hyperlipidemic bone disease.

Although epidemiological studies from the past two decades show a link between atherosclerotic vascular disease and bone loss, that is independent of age, the mechanism is still unclear. This review focuses on evidence that suggests a role for atherogenic lipids and lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of bone loss, including direct effects of these bioactive lipids/lipoproteins on bone cells, inhibiting osteoblastic differentiation and promoting osteoclastic differentiation. It also addresses recent evidence that suggests that bioactive lipids blunt the effects of bone anabolic agents such as teriparatide and bone morphogenetic proteins. Systemic and intracellular oxidant stress and inflammation are implicated in mediating the effects of bioactive lipids/lipoproteins.