Risedronate/zinc-hydroxyapatite based nanomedicine for osteoporosis

Targeting of superior osteogenic drugs to bone is an ideal approach for treatment of osteoporosis. Here, we investigated the potential of using risedronate/zinc-hydroxyapatite (ZnHA) nanoparticles based formulation in a rat model of experimental osteoporosis. Risedronate, a targeting moiety that has a strong affinity for bone, was loaded to ZnHA nanoparticles by adsorption method. Prepared risedronate/ZnHA drug formulation was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vivo performance of the prepared risedronate/ZnHA nanoparticles was tested in an experimental model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Therapy with risedronate/ZnHA drug formulation prevented increase in serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b better than risedronate/HA or risedronate. With respect to improvement in the mechanical strength of the femoral mid-shaft and correction of increase in urine calcium and creatinine levels, the therapy with risedronate/ZnHA drug formulation was more effective than risedronate/HA or risedronate therapy. Moreover, risedronate/ZnHA drug therapy preserved the cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture better than risedronate/HA or risedronate therapy. Furthermore, risedronate/ZnHA drug formulation showed higher values of calcium/phosphorous ratio and zinc content. The results strongly implicate that risedronate/ZnHA drug formulation has a therapeutic advantage over risedronate or risedronate/HA therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.