Bisphosphonates and connexin 43: a critical review of evidence

Cell Commun Adhes. 2014 Oct;21(5):241-7. doi: 10.3109/15419061.2014.927869. Epub 2014 Jun 19.

Abstract

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are drugs commonly used in the treatment of various disease arising or affecting bone tissue. There is a standard use in bone neoplasia and metastasis, hormonal and developmental disorders as well as for compensation of adverse effects in several medical therapies. Many in-vivo and in-vitro studies have assessed the efficacy of this drug and its function in cellular scale. In this concern, BPs are described to inhibit the resorptive function of osteoclasts and to prevent apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. They can preserve the osteocytic network, reduce fracture rate, and increase the bone mineral content, which is therapeutically used. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a crucial molecule for basal regulation of bone homeostasis, development, and differentiation. It is described for signal transduction in many physiological and pathological stimuli and recently to be involved in BP action.

Keywords: bisphosphonate; connexin; gap junction; osteoblast; osteoclast; osteocyte.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Resorption
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Connexin 43 / chemistry*
  • Connexin 43 / metabolism
  • Diphosphonates / chemistry*
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Gap Junctions / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteoclasts / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / drug therapy
  • Osteoporosis / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis / pathology
  • Protein Binding

Substances

  • Connexin 43
  • Diphosphonates