The Cellular and Mitochondrial Consequences of Mevalonate Pathway Inhibition by Nitrogen-Containing Bisphosphonates: A Narrative Review

TL;DR

This review explores how nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates affect cells and mitochondria beyond their role in bone disease treatment.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of non-skeletal cellular and mitochondrial effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates.

Findings

N-BPs disrupt mitochondrial function by reducing coenzyme Q and a-heme in the respiratory chain.

N-BPs induce oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in non-skeletal cells.

The drugs modulate inflammatory responses and cytoskeletal organization in various cell types.

Abstract

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) are commonly used drugs in the treatment of bone diseases due to their potent inhibition of the mevalonate pathway, leading to disrupted protein prenylation and reduced osteoclast activity. Although N-BPs are effective in reducing bone resorption, increasing evidence indicates their side effects on various non-skeletal cells. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on the cellular and molecular effects of N-BPs outside the skeletal system, with particular emphasis on their impact on mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. At the cellular level, N-BPs may reduce viability, modulate inflammatory responses, trigger apoptosis, disrupt cytoskeletal organization, and influence signaling and energy metabolism. N-BPs may also impair the prenylation of proteins essential for mitochondrial dynamics and quality control, and may disrupt Ca2+ homeostasis. As we have shown in endothelial cells, by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway, N-BPs may lead to a reduction in key components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, such as coenzyme Q (CoQ) and a-heme. These effects can contribute to impaired mitochondrial respiratory function, increased oxidative stress, and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, affecting cellular energy metabolism and viability. These findings underscore the multifaceted impact of N-BPs beyond bone, emphasizing the importance of mitochondrial health and energy metabolism in understanding their broader biological effects and potential adverse outcomes.

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