Do bisphosphonates and RANKL inhibitors alter the progression of coronary artery calcification? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Whether bisphosphonates and RANKL inhibitors play a novel role in delaying cardiovascular calcification is unknown. Their action on regulatory enzymes in the mevalonic acid pathway, which is implicated in both bone and lipid metabolism, may be a novel therapeutic target to manage coronary artery disease (CAD). Such therapies may particularly be relevant in those for whom traditional cardiovascular therapies are no longer sufficient to control disease progression.