[Atherosclerosis and bisphosphonate].
Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, and osteolytic disease due to malignant tumor or its metastasis. Certain compounds of bisphosphonates have been shown to inhibit the development of experimental atherosclerosis without altering serum lipid profile. Recently, etidronate has been demonstrated to prevent the thickening of carotid arterial wall in diabetic patients associated with osteopenia. These findings may illuminate clinical application of bisphosphonates for the treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
Shioi
Atsushi
A
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine.