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Prevention of vascular calcification with bisphosphonates without affecting bone mineralization: a new challenge?

Ellen G Neven1, Marc E De Broe, Patrick C D'Haese

  • 1Department of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Kidney International
|February 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Bisphosphonates may treat arterial calcification in kidney disease. However, effective doses also harm bone formation in rats, limiting their use as anticalcifying agents for osteoporosis and vascular calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nephrology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Arterial calcification frequently co-occurs with bone loss.
  • Bisphosphonates are standard osteoporosis treatments.
  • Bisphosphonates show potential for treating vascular calcification, especially in renal failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dual effects of bisphosphonates on bone and vascular calcification.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of bisphosphonates as anticalcifying agents in renal failure.

Main Methods:

  • Uremic rat models were used.
  • Administration of etidronate and pamidronate at doses effective against aortic calcification.

Main Results:

  • Effective doses of etidronate and pamidronate significantly decreased bone formation.
  • These doses also impaired bone mineralization in uremic rats.
  • The study highlights a limitation in using bisphosphonates for vascular calcification due to bone side effects.

Conclusions:

  • While bisphosphonates can inhibit vascular calcification, their detrimental effects on bone formation and mineralization limit their therapeutic application.
  • Further research is needed to develop safer anticalcifying agents for patients with coexisting bone and vascular conditions.

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