Gallium as a potential candidate for treatment of osteoporosis.
Gallium (Ga) is a semi-metallic element that displays antitumor, antiresorptive, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Among all these properties, antitumor properties were the most extensively applied and have shown efficacy in treatment of Paget's disease, myeloma and hypercalcemia in cases of malignancy. By contrast, no clinical trials have been conducted in prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. In this article I focus on Ga effects on bone tissue and cells, as well as on molecular mechanisms governing Ga internalization into cells. Eventually, the potential of Ga as an antiosteoporotic agent is discussed.
GéPITOs, Université de Nice, CNRS UMR 6235, UFR Médecine, 28 avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice Cedex 2, France.
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Verron
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Bouler
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JC
Scimeca
D000818:Animals; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005708:Gallium / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D005708:Gallium