Effect of GGOH on Bisphosphonate-Suppressed Bone Cell Functions
Bisphosphonates, particularly nitrogen-containing ones like zoledronate, are commonly used to treat bone diseases by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, they can disrupt the mevalonate pathway, leading to a deficiency in geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which is vital for the function of osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). This disruption may contribute to medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The study investigated whether supplementing with geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a precursor to GGPP, could counteract the adverse effects of zoledronate on these bone cells.