Open Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal
2016, 3 : 56-78Published online 2016 May 30. DOI: 10.2174/1874844901603010056
Publisher ID: PHARMSCI-3-56
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Physiologic Activity of Bisphosphonates – Recent Advances
* Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; E-mail: ewa.chmielewska@pwr.edu.pl
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.