NCIt definition : A first-generation bisphosphonate with anti-resorptive and anti-hypercalcemic activities.
Clodronic acid adsorbs onto the surface of the hydroxyapatite crystals in bone matrix.
Although the exact mechanism through which clodronic acid exerts its cytotoxic effect
on osteoclasts has yet to be fully elucidated, this agent is metabolized intracellularly
to a toxic beta-gamma-methylene analog of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), AppCCl2p.
The ATP analog AppCCl2p competitively inhibits ADP/ATP translocase, thereby interfering
with mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular energy metabolism. This may cause
osteoclast apoptosis and, eventually, inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.;