Cytotoxic and inflammatory effects of alendronate and zolendronate on human osteoblasts,gingival fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells

Objective

The aim of this paper was to assess the effects of zoledronate (ZOL) and alendronate (FOS) on apoptotic behavior and gene expression of pro- and inflammatory cytokines of three cell types (human osteoblasts, human gingival fibroblasts and human osteogenic sarcoma cell lines) during a period of 4 weeks.

Material and methods

Cell viability and proliferation was assessed via cell proliferation test (MTT), fluorescence diacetate analysis (FDA). Expression of inflammatory cytokines was investigated by using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The proliferation and cell vitality of osteoblasts and fibroblasts were negatively affected in a dose dependent manner under ZOL and FOS administration. Osteosarcoma cells showed an increase in proliferation under lower doses of BP. ZOL had a significantly higher cytotoxic effect compared with FOS on osteoblasts and fibroblasts. ZOL increased the production of IL-6 in all cell types, whereas FOS only in osteosarcoma cell, which happened in dose dependent manner. Bisphosphonates could result in increase of IL-1β expression of fibroblasts. An increase of IL-12 was observed at higher doses of ZOL administration among osteoblasts and FOS administration in osteosarcoma cells.

Conclusion

ZOL and FOS could encourage cytotoxic and inflammatory reactions.