The effects of zoledronate on the survival and function of human osteoblast-like cells

Background Prolonged bisphosphonate treatment might suppress bone remodeling to the extent that normal bone repair is impaired. While this adverse side effect is usually ascribed to the negative effects of bisphosphonates on osteoclast survival and function, these effects on osteoblasts are still unclear. Methods In the current study, we hypothesized that zoledronate (ZOL) at the μM level might present negative effects on osteoblast survival and function. In vitro analyses of proliferation, migration and differentiation were performed on human osteoblast-like cells. Results Our results revealed that ZOL treatment dose- and time-dependently induced apoptosis of osteoblasts after concentrations had reached 10 μM (p