Synthesis, characterization and biodistribution of bisphosphonates Sm-153 complexes: correlation with molecular modeling interaction studies

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are characterized by a P-C-P backbone structure and two phosphonic acid groups bonded to the same carbon, and are established as osteoclast-mediated bone resorption inhibitors. The nature of the groups attached to the central carbon atom are responsible in determining the potency of bisphosphonates as anti-resorption drugs. However, it is not yet clear the exact relationship between their molecular structure and pharmacologic activities. In this study, molecular geometries of pamidronate, alendronate and neridronate, differing only in the length of the aliphatic chains, were predicted by molecular mechanics and their interactions with hydroxyapatite, the main bone mineral component, were examined. We report the synthesis and radiochemical characterization of Sm-153 complexes with pamidronate, alendronate and neridronate. Hydroxyapatite binding and biodistribution studies of these complexes have shown a good correlation With the theoretical molecular modeling interaction studies. So, it is possible to conclude that computational chemistry techniques are a good approach to evaluate specific interaction,, and may play a relevant role in determining the relative ability of BPs to mineral bone, and open new perspectives to the design of new BPs with increased pharmacological activity. These techniques could be extended to BPs as ligands to carrier radioactive metals, aiming for new bone therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.