Alendronate-induced atypical bone fracture: evidence that the drug inhibits osteogenesis

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Alendronate (ALN) is used for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. By reducing bone turnover, it increases bone mineral density. However, recent reports suggest an increased risk of atypical bone fractures after long-term ALN administration. Despite its well-known anti-osteoclastic activity, it is unclear whether ALN also suppresses human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-mediated osteogenesis, thus possibly resulting in atypical bone fragility. We hypothesized that ALN does this and we look at its in vitro effects on osteogenesis. METHODS: Morphological analysis, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization assays were investigated in hMSCs treated with a wide range of ALN. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: After treatment with high concentrations of ALN for 3 and 7 days, cell viability was significantly reduced and cell morphology was altered. Osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was also substantially suppressed as demonstrated by decreased ALP activity although ALN did not affect osteogenic-related genes tested. Furthermore, ALN at all concentrations tested drastically inhibited alizarin red S-positive mineralized matrix. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: ALN has a strong inhibitory effect on hMSC-mediated osteogenesis by suppressing cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation and function. The insight gained may help in the development of safer alternatives.