Gallium as a potential candidate for treatment of osteoporosis

Gallium (Ga) is a semi-metallic element that displays antitumor, antiresorptive, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Among all these properties, antitumor properties were the most extensively applied and have shown efficacy in treatment of Paget's disease, myeloma and hypercalcemia in cases of malignancy. By contrast, no clinical trials have been conducted in prevention and/or treatment of osteoporosis. In this article I focus on Ga effects on bone tissue and cells, as well as on molecular mechanisms governing Ga internalization into cells. Eventually, the potential of Ga as an antiosteoporotic agent is discussed.

► Gallium (Ga) exhibits in vitro dose-dependent antiosteoclastic effects.
► Ga antiosteoclastic effects mainly result from an inhibition of NFATC1 gene expression.
► Ga can partially substitute calcium in calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics and biocements.
► Delivering Ga locally through CaP biomaterials is proposed to reinforce osteoporotic bone.