Role of Bisphosphonates in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis to Prevent Future Fractures: A Literature Review

Abstract

Postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis are at increased risk of future fractures. Bisphosphonates are drugs that are used to treat osteoporosis by acting on the osteoclasts to inhibit bone resorption. Several studies have shown that bisphosphonates can maintain or even increase bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients. This review study analyzed the literature on clinical experiments with bisphosphonate therapy in postmenopausal women to determine if these drugs are efficacious in preventing future fractures. Four out of five studies found that women treated with bisphosphonates were at a decreased risk of future fractures, and six of six studies found that bisphosphonate therapy increases bone mineral density relative to placebo control. Although further work is warranted to understand the level of bone mineral density increase that is associated with fracture prevention, this study implies that bisphosphonate therapy can be used to help prevent future fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. The study is significant in that it helps to underscore the efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy in postmenopausal women, and it may be generalizable to other populations with osteoporosis who are at increased risk of fractures.

MicroRNA-505 is involved in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells partially by targeting RUNX2

“…Osteoporosis is a chronic systemic bone disease manifesting as lower bone mass, which eventually contributes to increased risk of fractures [1,2]. Several interacting factors contribute to the risk of osteoporosis and fracture, including hormones, cytokines, transcription factors, and genetic variables.…”

Effects of Drynaria Total Flavonoid on the Microstructure of the Mandible in Ovariectomized Rats

“…Bisphosphonates are another type of drug widely used for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, which inhibit bone resorption with relatively few adverse effects. Oral bisphosphonates are considered the initial therapy for most postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture because they have high efficacy, favorable cost, and long-term safety data [ 11 , 26 ]. Although bisphosphonates are generally safe, oral bisphosphonates are not used as initial therapy in patients with esophageal disorders.…”

“…The primary regimen for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, including jaw osteoporosis, is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but it may cause an increased risk of cancer and other adverse effects [ 10 ]. Bisphosphonates are another type of anti-osteoporosis reagent for the prevention of bone loss and reduction of fracture risk; their adverse effects involve mainly esophageal complications and osteonecrosis of the jaw [ 11 ]. Calcitonin is a 32-amino acid peptide that binds to osteoclasts and inhibits bone resorption.…”

Effect of Bacterial Infection on Bone Quality and Structure in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw by Bisphosphonate (BP) Administration

“…Bisphosphonate (BP) formulations improve bone mineral density in the long bones and vertebrae, which contributes to the prevention of fragility fractures caused by osteonecrosis and similar conditions [1][2][3] . In the oral and maxillofacial region, however, BP can cause bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), and the dental treatment strategy for patients taking BP formulations is the subject of vigorous debate [4][5][6] .…”