Role of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis caused by adult growth hormone deficiency

In recent years,growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors have become key regulators of bone metabolism and remodeling,crucial for maintaining healthy bone mass throughout life.Studies have shown that adult growth hormone deficiency leads to alterations in bone remodeling,significantly affecting bone microarchitecture and increasing fracture risk.Although recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy can mitigate these adverse effects,improving bone density,and reduce fracture risk,its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis,especially in adults with established growth hormone deficiency,seems limited.Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by targeting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in osteoclasts,and clinical trials have confirmed their efficacy in improving osteoporosis.Therefore,for adult growth hormone deficiency patients with osteoporosis,the use of bisphosphonates alongside growth hormone replacement therapy is recommended.

Role of bisphosphonates in the management of acute Charcot foot

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of Charcot neuropathy affecting foot and ankle. Acute Charcot foot(CF) presents with a red and swollen foot in co-ntrast to the painless deformed one of chronic CF. En-hanced osteoclastogenesis plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acute CF. Many studies have shown elevated levels of bone turnover markers in patients with acute CF confirming it. These findings have led cl-inicians to use anti-resorptive agents [bisphosphonates(BP), calcitonin, and denosumab] along with immobi-lization and offloading in acute CF patients. The ma-ximum evidence among all anti-resorptive agents is available for BPs, although its quality is low. Pamidronate has been shown to reduce the markers of activity of CF like raised skin temperature, pain, edema, and bone turnover markers in the majority of studies. Intravenous BPs are known to cause acute phase reactions leading to flu-like illness following their first infusion, which can be ameliorated by oral acetaminophen. Alendronate is the only oral BP used in these patients. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to avoid esophagitis. The side-effects and contraindications to BPs should be kept in mind while treating acute CF patients with them.

Bisphosphonates as potential adjuvants for patients withcancers of the digestive system

Best known for their anti-resorptive activity in bone, bisphosphonates(BPs) have generated interest as potential antineoplastic agents given their pleiotropic biological effects which include antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and immune-modulating properties. Clinical studies in multiple malignancies suggest that BPs may be active in the prevention or treatment of cancer. Digestive tract malignancies represent a large and heterogeneous disease group, and the activity of BPs in these cancers has not been extensively studied. Recent data showing that some BPs inhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor(HER) signaling highlight a potential therapeutic opportunity in digestive cancers, many of which have alterations in the HER axis. Herein, we review the available evidence providing a rationale for the repurposing of BPs as a therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of digestive malignancies, especially in HER-driven subgroups.

Clinical Analysis of Bisphosphonates Treatment on Bone Metastases and Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Advanced Solid Tumor

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy and toleration of bisphosphonates therapy in patients with bone metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy in advanced solid tumor. Methods： Patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed cancer and hypercalcemia with bone metastases were designed to open treatment with either 4mg zoledronic acid or 90mg pamidronate. The primary efficacy parameters were pain scores（NRS）, Corrected serum calcium（CSC） and CSC effective rate The vital signs, biochemical and hematological parameters were determined. Results： Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, twelve patients in zoledronic acid group and eight in pamidronate group. Zoledronic acid and pamidronate significantly palliated pain. Pain scores were significantly lower at end-point after Zoledronic acid or pamidronate infusion（5.92 vs 3.25, P〈0.01; 6.13 vs 4.38, P〈0.01, respectively）. The mean CSC level decreased significantly after Zoledronic acid or pamidronate infusion from 12.86 to 10.28mg/dl and 13.19 to 10.36mg/dl respectively. The CSC effective rate was about 90% at 14 days after infusion in two groups. There was no statistical significance for all primary efficacy parameters in zoledronic acid group compared with pamidronate group. An adverse reaction was mild fever after pamidronate infusion and then completely reversible. Conclusion： Zoledronic acid and pamidronate disodium were well tolerated and effective for bone metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy in advanced solid tumor.

Physicians' knowledge and attitude regarding bisphosphonates-related adverse events:An observational study

AIM To assess the knowledge and attitude of Lebanese physicians regarding bisphosphonates(BPs)-related complications.METHODS An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a major tertiary teaching hospital in Beirut city,and its affiliated primary health care center.Data were collected through a new self-administered questionnaire distributed via a delegated secretary to physicians expected to regularly prescribe BPs(n = 215).It assessed participants' knowledge,fear and experience regarding BPsreported complications.RESULTS One hundred and fifty-seven physicians fulfilled the questionnaire(response rate: 73.0%): 77.7% and 75.2% considered that gastrointestinal intolerance and osteonecrosis of the jaw are linked to BPs,respectively.Conversely,the least recognised complications are ocular inflammation(7.6%) and severe musculoskeletal pain(37.6%).The association of BPs with oesophageal cancer,atrial fibrillation and hepatotoxicity was reported by 11.5%,13.4% and 24.8% of respondents,respectively.The multivariate analysis showed a significant association between level of knowledge and physicians' department affiliation(P-value = 0.043),their gender(P-value = 0.044),whether or not they prescribe a BP(P-value = 0.012),and the number of BP prescriptions delivered monthly(P-value = 0.012).Physicians are mainly concerned about osteonecrosis of the jaw and nephrotoxicity when prescribing a BP.Yet,the complications commonly met in their practice are gastrointestinal intolerance(44.6%) and acute phase reactions(26.7%).CONCLUSION This study revealed the presence of a deficient knowledge regarding BPs-related adverse events among our physicians.Professional training proposals are needed to increase their knowledge and improve their practices.Pharmaceutical industries should reconsider the instructions they provide to physicians regarding the complications of medications they promote.Moreover,they must actively collaborate with education providers and institutions in educational interventions.

Bisphosphonates Zoledronate and Alendronate for the Management of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Bisphosphonates are among the most frequently used antiresorptive drugs for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. We review here two of the commonly used bisphosphonates zoledronate and alendronate.

Recurrent Transient Osteoporosis during Pregnancy and Treatment with Oral Bisphosphonates: A Case Report

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH), also known as “Bone marrow edema Syndrome”, is a rare disorder mainly affecting pregnant women in their third trimester, as well as middle-aged, overweight men. A 30-year-old Caucasian female G2P2, with history of transient osteoporosis of both ankles and C-Section during the last pregnancy in 2011, presented progressively severe bilateral hip pain with onset already in the 12th gestational week. Imaging of the pelvis and bilateral hips with MRI obtained 6 days after the C-Section demonstrated bilateral bone-marrow edema of the hips. The patient was treated with a monthly single dose of 150 mg ibandronate acid per os, for 3 months and physiotherapy. Repeated MRI performed 5 months postpartum revealed a complete remission of the disease. In contrast to the first onset of transient osteoporosis during the first pregnancy, which was only treated conservatively without bisphosphonates, the remission of the disease and patient’s recovery with oral ibandronate therapy showed to be 4 months shorter. This case is unique in literature for both describing the onset of this rare disease twice in the same patient as well as its oral therapeutic approach.

Determination of bisphosphonates anti-resorptive properties based on three forms of ceramic materials: Sorption and release process evaluation

There is a strong need to search for more effective compounds with bone anti-resorptive properties,which will cause fewer complications than commonly used bisphosphonates. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to search for new techniques to characterize the interactions between bone and drug. By studying their interaction with hydroxyapatite(HA), this study used three forms of ceramic materials,two of which are bone-stimulating materials, to assess the suitability of new active substances with antiresorptive properties. In this study, three methods based on HA in loose form, polycaprolactone/HA(a polymer-ceramic materials containing HA), and polymer-ceramic monolithic in-needle extraction(MINE) device(a polymer inert skeleton), respectively, were used. The affinity of risedronate(a standard compound) and sixteen aminomethylenebisphosphonates(new compounds with potential antiresorptive properties) to HA was defined according to the above-mentioned methods. Ten monolithic materials based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/ethylene dimethacrylate are prepared and studied, of which one was selected for more-detailed further research. Simulated body fluids containing bisphosphonates were passed through the MINE device. In this way, sorptionedesorption of bisphosphonates was evaluated using this MINE device. The paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and its suitability for assessing new active substances. All three methods allow for the selection of several compounds with potentially higher anti-resorptive properties than risedronate, in hope that it reflects their higher bone affinity and release ability.

Oral bisphosphonates improve the bone mineral density in men with diabetes with or without thiazolidinediones

Objective: Osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) two of the most common chronic conditions and represent major public health burdens. Epidemiological and observational studies indicate that thiazolidinedione (TZD) therapy with rosiglitazone and pioglitazone is associated with an increased risk of fractures and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). To our knowledge, no data are available to evaluate bisphosphonate therapy in thiazolidinedione-treated patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of bisphosphonates to improve changes in BMD in subjects with DM associated with TZDs. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study using a retrospective review of electronic medical records, the changes in BMD in subjects with type 2 DM. The study subjects were divided into four groups. First group with DM receiving both TZDs and BPs;second group neither;third group receiving only TZDs and the fourth only BPs. The comparison of annual percent changes in BMD between the groups were carried out. Results: Decreased BMD noted in subjects with DM on TZDs. Bisphosphonates improved BMD in subjects with DM on TZDs. BMD improved in subjects with DM in those not receiving TZDs also. Conclusion: We conclude that concomitant treatment with bisphosphonates improves BMD in subjects with diabetes and on TZDs.

An Efficient Synthesis of Aromatic 1-Hydroxymethylene-1, 1-bisphosphonates from Aldehydes

A simple and efficient procedure for synthesis of 1-hydroxymethylene-1,1-bisphos- phoates from aldehydes is described. This method was applied to the synthesis of novel catechol substituted bisphosphonates as the anti-osteoporosis agents.

How Long to Treat with Bisphosphonates?

Bisphosphonate class of drugs, the most commonly prescribed for the treatment of osteoporosis, is effective in preventing and treating bone loss and fractures. However, the treatment duration and the applicability of “drug holidays” for bisphosphonates need optimization in order to minimize long-term exposure. Drug holidays may prevent potential adverse events while still maintaining some degree of antifracture efficacy via residual antiresorptive activity by retained bisphosphonates. Patients receiving bisphosphonates, who are at low-moderate risk of fracture, are potential candidates for a drug holiday. However, for high-risk patients or patients with previous history of fragility fractures, the benefits of continuing bisphosphonate therapy considerably out-weigh their potential harm. Evidence-based guidelines regarding starting and stopping a drug holiday are not available;therefore, it is appropriate to monitor patients on a drug holiday to assess a declining antiresorptive effect. In case of a significant rise in bone turnover markers or significant decrease in bone mineral density, it may be time to restart therapy.

Impact of bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral density after kidney transplant

BACKGROUND Mineral bone disease is associated with chronic kidney disease and persists after kidney transplantation.Immunosuppressive treatment contributes to the patho-genesis of this disease.Bisphosphonate treatments have shown positive but inde-finite results.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonate treatment on post kidney transplantation bone mineral density(BMD).METHODS We included kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)whose BMD was measured after the operation but before the initiation of treatment and their BMD was measured at least one year later.We also evaluated the BMD of KTRs using two valid mea-surements after transplantation who received no treatment(control group).RESULTS Out of 254 KTRs,62(39 men)were included in the study.Bisphosphonates were initiated in 35 KTRs in total(20 men),1.1±2.4 years after operation and for a period of 3.9±2.3 years while 27(19 men)received no treatment.BMD improved significantly in KTRs who received bisphosphonate treatments(from-2.29±1.07 to-1.66±1.09,P<0.0001).The control group showed a non-significant decrease in BMD after 4.2±1.4 years of follow-up after surgery.Kidney function was not affected by bisphosphonate treatment.In KTRs with established osteoporosis,active treatment had a similar and significant effect on those with osteopenia or normal bone mass.CONCLUSION In this retrospective study of KTRs receiving bisphosphonate treatment,we showed that active treatment is effective in preventing bone loss irrespective of baseline BMD.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients with Bisphosphonate Exposure in Casablanca, Morocco: An Observational Study

Objective: To study the prevalence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of this pathology. Method: An observational retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oncology, Rheumatology, and Maxillofacial Surgery of Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca. The study utilized complete medical records from 2014 to 2022 and included consultations of patients receiving bisphosphonates (BPs) in July and September 2022. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Our study population comprised 104 patients, of whom 91% were women and 49% were over 65 years old. Seventy-two percent of patients had a general pathology. Among them, 64 patients were treated with zoledronate, 43 with alendronate, and the remainder with risedronate, ibandronate, and pamidronate. The most common indications for treatment were bone metastasis following breast cancer (29.8%) and osteoporotic fractures (19.2%). Sixty-seven patients received intravenous (IV) treatment;only 10.5% exhibited good oral health. Fifty percent of patients underwent dental treatment, primarily tooth extractions. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) was diagnosed in 1.9% of patients, predominantly in stages 1 and 2. Conclusion: Second and third-generation bisphosphonates are more strongly associated with the development of ONJ. Risk factors include monthly IV administration, poor oral health, comorbidities such as diabetes, medications like corticosteroids, invasive dental procedures, and not only oncological conditions but also rare indications such as bone algodystrophy. Nevertheless, our observed prevalence of 1.9% aligns with international rates ranging from 0.8% to 12%. However, most of the studies that have been carried out have been retrospective studies with insufficient numbers of patients. Further prospective epidemiological studies based on standardized protocols with rigorous and appropriate follow-up over several years are essential to determine the exact prevalence of ONJ.

Hypercalcaemia after treatment with denosumab in children:bisphosphonates as an option for therapy and prevention?

Background Pharmacologic options for treatment of osteolytic diseases especially in children are limited.Although not licensed for use,denosumab,a fully humanized antibody to RANKL,is used in children with good effects.Among others,one possible indication are giant cell tumors and aneurysmatic bone cysts.However,there are reports of severe hypercalcemia during weeks to months after termination of denosumab,that are rarely seen in adults.Methods We collected data of four patients,aged 6-17 years,who experienced severe hypercalcemia after completion of treatment with denosumab for unresectable giant cell tumors of bone or aneurysmal bone cysts and methods of their treatment.The detailed case information were described.Results One patient was treated with long-term,high-dose steroid therapy,leading to typical Cushing's syndrome.Another patient was restarted on denosumab repeatedly due to relapses of hypercalcemia after every stop.Finally,in two patients,hypercalcemia ceased definitely after treatment with bisphosphonates.However,several applications were necessary to stabilize calcium levels.Conclusions There is a considerable risk of hypercalcemia as an adverse effect after denosumab treatment in children.Therapeutic and,preferably,preventive strategies are needed.Bisphosphonates seem to be an option for both,but effective proceedings still remain to be established.

Efficacy and Safety of Different Bisphosphonates for Bone Loss Prevention in Kidney Transplant Recipients： A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background： Mineral and bone disorder is one of the severe complications in kidney transplant recipients （KTRs）. Previous studies showed that bisphosphonates had favorable effects on bone mineral density （BMD）. We sought to compare different bisphosphonate regimens and rank their strategies. Methods： We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials （CENTRAL） up to April 01, 2017,for randomized controlled trials （RCTs） comparing bisphosphonate treatments in adult KTRs. The primary outcome was BMD change. We executed the tool recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration to evaluate the risk of bias. We performed pairwise meta-analyses using random effects models and network meta-analysis （NMA） using Bayesian models and assessed the quality of evidence. Results： A total of 21 RCTs （1332 participants） comparing 6 bisphosphonate regimens were included. All bisphosphonates showed a significantly increased percentage change in BMD at the lumbar spine compared to calcium except clodronate. Pamidronate with calcium and Vitamin D analogs showed improved BMD in comparison to clodronate with calcium （mean difference [MD], 9.84; 95% credibility interval [CrI], 1.06-19.70）. The combination of calcium and Vitamin D analogs had a significantly lower influence than adding either pamidronate or alendronate （MD, 6.34; 95% CrI, 2.59-11.01 and MD, 6.16; 95% CrI, 0.54-13.24, respectively）. In temas of percentage BMD change at the femoral neck, both pamidronate and ibandronate combined with calcium demonstrated a remarkable gain compared with calcium （MD, 7.02; 95% CrI, 0.30-13.29 and MD, 7.30; 95% CrI, 0.32-14.22, respectively）. The combination of ibandronate with calcium displayed a significant increase in absolute BMD compared to any other treatments and was ranked best. Conclusions： Our NMA suggested that new-generation bisphosphonates such as ibandronate were more favorable in KTRs to improve BMD. However, the conclusion should be treated with caution due to indirect comparisons.

Mazabraud’s syndrome in female patients:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Mazabraud’s syndrome(MS)is a rare and slowly progressive benign disease characterized by the concurrent presence of fibrous dysplasia of bone and intramuscular myxoma,and is thought to be associated with mutations of the GNAS gene.To date,only about 100 cases of MS have been reported in the literature,but its standard treatment strategy remains unclear.CASE SUMMARY We report two cases of MS in young women who underwent different treatments based on their symptoms and disease manifestations.The first patient,aged 37,received internal fixation and intravenous bisphosphonate for a pathological fracture of the right femoral neck,excision of a right vastus medialis myxoma was subsequently performed for pain control,and asymptomatic psoas myxomas were monitored without surgery.Genetic testing confirmed a GNAS gene mutation in this patient.The second patient,aged 24,underwent right vastus intermedius muscle myxoma resection,and conservative treatment for fibrous dysplasia of the ilium.These patients were followed-up for 17 months and 3 years,respectively,and are now in a stable condition.CONCLUSION Various treatments have been selected for MS patients who suffer different symptoms.The main treatment for myxomas is surgical resection,while fibrous dysplasia is selectively treated if the patient experiences pathological fracture or severe pain.However,given the documented instances of malignant transformation of fibrous dysplasia in individuals with MS,close follow-up is necessary.

Osteoporosis in primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC) is an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease with multiple debilitating complications. Osteoporosis is a common complication of PBC resulting in frequent fractures and leading to significant morbidity in this population, yet evidence for effective therapy is lacking. We sought to summarize our current understanding of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis in PBC, as well as current and emerging therapies in order to guide future research directions. A complete search with a comprehensive literature review was performed with studies from Pub Med, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane database, and the Countway Library. Osteoporosis in PBC is driven primarily by decreased bone formation, which differs from the increased bone resorption seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Despite this fundamental difference, current treatment recommendations are based primarily on experience with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Trials specific to PBC-related osteoporosis are small and have not consistently demonstrated a benefit in this population. As it stands, prevention of osteoporosis in PBC relies on the mitigation of risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use, as well as encouraging a healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise. The primary medical intervention for the treatment of osteoporosis in PBC remains bisphosphonates though a benefit in terms of fracture reduction has never been shown. This review outlines what is known regarding the pathogenesis of bone disease in PBC and summarizes current and emerging therapies.

A multicenter,retrospective.epidemiologic survey of the clinical features and management of bone metastatic disease in China

Background:Bone metastases are common in patients with advanced cancer.Bisphosphonates(BPs) could prevent or delay the development of skeleton-related events(SREs).The present study aimed to identify the clinical features of and treatment strategies for Chinese patients with bone metastases.Methods:Consecutive cancer patients who had bone metastases and received BP treatment were enrolled.A questionnaire was developed to collect the patients' clinical data,as well as information on the diagnosis and management of bone metastases.Physicians' awareness of the guidelines and knowledge of the application of BP were also assessed.Results:A total of 3223 patients with lung cancer(36.5%),breast cancer(30.9%),prostate cancer(8.5%),and gastrointestinal cancer(5.7%) were included in this study.The sites of bone metastases were the thoracic spine(56.0%),lumbar spine(47.1%),ribs(32.6%),and pelvis(23.2%).The SRE frequency was the highest in patients with multiple myeloma(36.6%),followed by those with lung cancer(25.9%),breast cancer(20.2%),prostate cancer(18.2%),and gastrointestinal cancer(17.3%).Irradiation to the bone was the most frequent SRE(58%in lung cancer patients,45%in breast cancer patients,and 48%in prostate cancer patients).Our survey also showed that 45.5%of patients received BP within 3 months after their diagnosis of bone metastases,whereas the remaining 54.5%of patients did not receive BP treatment until at least 3 months after their diagnosis of bone metastases.The SRE frequency in the former group was significantly lower than that in the latter group(4.0%vs.42.3%,P < 0.05).In patients with more than 6 months of continuous BP treatment,the mean time to the first SRE was significantly longer than that in patients with less than 6 months of continuous BP treatment(7.2 vs.3.4 months,P < 0.05).In addition,12.2%of the physicians were not aware of the efficacy of BP in preventing and delaying SRE.Only half(52.3%) of the physicians agreed that the BP treatment should persist for at least 6 months unless it was intolerable.Conclusions:Our study suggested that prompt and persistent BP treatment was associated with a reduced risk of SREs.However,our survey also revealed that the proper application of BP was not as common as expected in China.

Low-velocity simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture following long-term antiepileptic therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are relatively rare injuries.They are usually associated with underlying metabolic bone disorders or systemic diseases.Long-term use of narcotics and bisphosphonates can also result in similar fracture patterns;however,association of this fracture type with longterm use of antiepileptic drugs is not very common.Only one such case has been reported in the literature.This article describes the second.CASE REPORT We report a case of simultaneous displaced bilateral femoral neck fractures in a 50-year-old epileptic patient,who had taken phenytoin for the past 3 years.The fractures were a result of low-velocity injury following a fall from the bed.The fractures were managed with a bilateral hemi-replacement arthroplasty.Oral bisphosphonates were given to improve the bone quality in the post-operative period.The patient had a good post-operative outcome,that was sustained throughout the entire follow-up period of 1 year.CONCLUSION Antiepileptic drugs should be supplemented with bisphosphonates and vitamin D to improve bone quality and prevent fractures in epileptic patients.

Osteoporosis Treatment:When to Discontinue and When to Re-start

A number of effective therapies for the treatment of osteoporosis have become available in recent years. However, uncertainty exists regarding their long-term use and effectiveness. Bisphosphonate treatment, unlike hormone replacement, denosumab or teriparatide, is associated with benefits extended even after treatment discontinuation. The extended benefits are most apparent for alendronate （ALN） and zoledronate （ZOL）. A drug holiday might be considered in patients compliant with treatment, and who have had a response fractures the decision to consider a drug holiday should treatment. at low-moderate risk and who have been fully to treatment. In patients at low-moderate risk of be balanced also with the safety profile of each