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Bisphosphonates: Mechanisms of Action

Department of Pathophysiology, University of Berne, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland

I. Introduction

II. Chemistry

III. Effects in Vivo

A. Inhibition of calcification

B. Inhibition of bone resorption

C. Effects on bone formation

D. Effects on noncalcified tissues

IV. Mechanisms of Action

A. Calcification

B. Bone resorption

C. Other effects

V. Pharmacokinetics

VI. Animal Toxicology and Human Adverse Events

A. Animal toxicology

B. Human adverse events

VII. Conclusion

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