The Effect of Etidronate Disodium on Rat's Bone and Soft Tissue

Objective: To evaluate the effects of etidronate disodium on bone and soft tissue, especially on bone mineral density, and mucosal changes of the aorta and esophagus. Method: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 separate groups: one with etidronate disodium and one without etidronate disodium. Bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar vertebrae, femur, and a simple X-ray of the whole body were obtained. The abdominal aorta and esophagus were assessed histopathologically in post treatment. Results: In post treatment for 12 weeks, the extent of decrease in BMD of the group with etidronate disodium was less than that of the group without etidronate disodium (p<0.05). There was no evidence of aorta and heart valve calcification in the simple X-ray, nor was there intima-media thickening, atheroma formation and calcification in aorta and esophageal irritation findings in pathologic examinations in both groups. Conclusion: The results suggested that etidronate disodium had an inhibitory effect on bone mineral loss and had the esophageal tolerability and safety, but no difference in aorta calcification and antiarthrogenic effects, including aorta wall thickness in this study.