Physiologic Activity of Bisphosphonates – Recent Advances

Abstract

Background: Bisphosphonates are drugs commonly used for the medication and prevention of diseases caused by decreased mineral density. Despite such important medicinal use, they display a variety of physiologic activities, which make them promising anti-cancer, anti-protozoal, antibacterial and antiviral agents. Objective: To review physiological activity of bisphosphonates with special emphasis on their ongoing and potential applications in medicine and agriculture. Method: Critical review of recent literature data. Results: Comprehensive review of activities revealed by bisphosphonates. Conclusion: although bisphosphonates are mostly recognized by their profound effects on bone physiology their medicinal potential has not been fully evaluated yet. Literature data considering enzyme inhibition suggest possibilities of far more wide application of these compounds. These applications are, however, limited by their low bioavailability and therefore intensive search for new chemical entities overcoming this shortage are carried out.