Accumulation of VEGFR2 in zoledronic acid-treated endothelial cells.

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (BIS) are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and are used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, including multiple myeloma, breast cancer and osteoporosis. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates that BIS also affect endothelial cell functions and angiogenesis; however, the molecular mechanism(s) are unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent pro-angiogenic signal for endothelial cells.