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Ex Vivo Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from the Trigeminovascular System in Rodents
Published on: May 16, 2022
Cinacalcet: pharmacological and clinical aspects
Piergiorgio Messa1, Carlo Alfieri, Brigida Brezzi
1Nefrologia, Dialisi e Trapianto, Padiglione Croff, Ospedale Maggiore-Policlinico, v. Commenda 15, 20122 Milano, Italy. pmessa@policlinico.mi.it
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
|December 2, 2008
Summary
Cinacalcet, a calcimimetic drug, effectively lowers calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in hyperparathyroidism. Further trials are needed to confirm if biochemical improvements translate to better clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates calcium homeostasis and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.
- CaSR stimulation inhibits PTH secretion, synthesis, and parathyroid cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cinacalcet in managing hyperparathyroidism.
- To assess the impact of cinacalcet on biochemical parameters and explore the need for clinical outcome data.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies on cinacalcet's use in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- Analysis of cinacalcet's mechanism of action as a calcimimetic type II compound.
Main Results:
- Cinacalcet effectively reduces calcium and PTH levels in primary hyperparathyroidism.
- In secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure, cinacalcet lowers PTH, calcium, and phosphate.
- Adverse events include hypocalcemia and gastrointestinal symptoms, with a generally safe profile.
Conclusions:
- Calcimimetics like cinacalcet represent a significant advancement in treating PTH secretion disorders.
- Further clinical trials are essential to demonstrate that improved biochemical control correlates with enhanced clinical outcomes.
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