[Regulation of calcification by bisphosphonates]

Etidronate, an analogue of first generation of bisphosphonates, has inhibitory actions on mineralization and hydroxyapatite crystal formation, which is therefore used as a drug to treat ectopic ossification in cases with total hip arthroplasty and spinal cord injury. The effect of bisphosphonates to prevent calcification could be associated with the physical property to attach tightly to hydroxyapatite crystals in bone matrix. A recent investigation suggested that bisphosphonates might prevent arterial calcification through a mechanism associated with the enhanced production of parathyroid hormone-related peptide from vascular smooth muscle cells. A derivative of bisphosphonates to inhibit vascular calcification in atherosclerosis is expected and should be developed in the near future.