Renata Falchete do Prado

Titanium–35niobium alloy as a potential material for biomedical implants: In vitro study

Research on new titanium alloys and different surface topographies aims to improve osseointegration. The objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of osteogenic cells cultivated on porous and dense samples of titanium-niobium alloys, and to compare them with the behavior of such type of cells on commercial pure titanium. Samples prepared using powder metallurgy were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and metallographic and profilometer analyses. Osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were plated over different groups: dense or porous samples composed of Ti or Ti-35niobium (Nb). Cell adhesion, cell proliferation, MTT assay, cell morphology, protein total content, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization nodules were assessed. Results from XRD and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ti and Nb in the test alloy. Metallographic analysis revealed interconnected pores, with pore size ranging from 138 to 150μm. The profilometer analysis detected the greatest rugosity within the dense alloy samples. In vitro tests revealed similar biocompatibility between Ti-35Nb and Ti; furthermore, it was possible to verify that the association of porous surface topography and the Ti-35Nb alloy positively influenced mineralized matrix formation. We propose that the Ti-35Nb alloy with porous topography constitutes a biocompatible material with great potential for use in biomedical implants.

Healing of normal and osteopenic bone with titanium implant and low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs): a histomorphometric study in rats

The study investigates the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing in the femur of osteopenic and normal rats with titanium implants. Ovariectomy and control group were randomly submitted to LLLT, which was applied by gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) laser at the surgical site before and after placing the implant, for seven times. Histomorphometric and statistical analysis were performed. Most irradiated groups showed higher values than the nonirradiated groups. The GaAlAs infrared diode laser may improve the osseointegration process in osteopenic and normal bone, particularly based on its effects in the initial phase of bone formation.

Effect of estrogen therapy, soy isoflavones, and the combination therapy on the submandibular gland of ovariectomized rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen deficiency, estrogen therapy, and soy isoflavones on the salivary glands in female rats. Ninety-six animals were ovariectomized, and 24 were sham-operated. Among the ovariectomized rats, 24 received 17β-estradiol; 24 received isoflavone extract; 24 received a combination therapy of both; and 24 received water as placebo. The submandibular glands were histomorphometrically analyzed. As a result, the ANOVA test revealed that the hormonal deficiency affected the acini and the ducts of ovariectomized rats, reducing their percentage compared to the sham group. All treatments caused an increase in ducts and acini compared to the placebo group. It was concluded that the estrogen deficiency may be related to salivary gland function due to a reduction in the quantity of salivary acini and ducts secondary to ovariectomy. The estrogen therapy, soy isoflavone therapy, and the combination of both are effective in reducing the effects of ovariectomy on the salivary glands.

Subcutaneous tissue reaction to castor oil bean and calcium hydroxide in rats

Castor oil bean cement (COB) is a new material that has been used as an endodontic sealer, and is a candidate material for direct pulp capping. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new formulation of COB compared to calcium hydroxide cement (CH) and a control group without any material, in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Material and methods The materials were prepared, packed into polyethylene tubes, and implanted in the rat dorsal subcutaneous tissue. Animals were sacrificed at the 7th and 50th days after implantation. A quantitative analysis of inflammatory cells was performed and data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukeys tests at 5% significance level. Results Comparing the mean number of inflammatory cells between the two experimental groups (COB and CH) and the control group, statistically significant difference (p=0.0001) was observed at 7 and 50 days. There were no significant differences (p=0.111) between tissue reaction to CH (382 inflammatory cells) and COB (330 inflammatory cells) after 7 days. After 50 days, significantly more inflammatory cells (p=0.02) were observed in the CH group (404 inflammatory cells) than in the COB group (177 inflammatory cells). Conclusions These results demonstrate that the COB cement induces less inflammatory response within long periods.

Porous Titanium by Powder Metallurgy for Biomedical Application: Characterization, Cell Citotoxity and in vivo Tests of Osseointegration

© 2012 de Vasconcellos, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Porous Titanium by Powder Metallurgy for Biomedical Application: Characterization, Cell Citotoxity and in vivo Tests of Osseointegration

Effects of experimental osteoporosis and low calcium intake on postextraction sockets of rats

This study analysed the initial effects of the combination of oestrogen deficiency with a calcium‐deficient diet on alveolar bone repair. Sixty‐three 3‐month‐old female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX, n = 42) or sham‐operated (SHAM, n = 21). Among the 42 ovariectomized rats, 21 received standard commercial food (OVX) and 21 received food with low calcium content (ESP). The mandibular first molars were extracted bilaterally 15 days after ovariectomy or sham surgery. The rats were weighed and killed at 7, 21 and 45 days after tooth extraction. The results were evaluated by descriptive microscopic analysis, histomorphometry of the trabecular and osteoid volume and mast cell counts. Analysis of the results indicated that trabecular volume and mast cell counts increased significantly over time, while osteoid volume decreased over time. Comparisons between the SHAM and OVX groups demonstrated no statistical differences, while comparison between the OVX and ESP groups indicated differences in trabecular volume and the number of mast cells. The data suggest that hormonal deficiency does not delay alveolar bone repair in OVX rats; however, oestrogen deficiency associated with calcium deficiency can lead to bone resorption through the activation of mast cells.

Immunohistochemical study of the expression of fatty acid synthase and Ki-67 in salivary gland tumors

BACKGROUND The enzyme fatty acid synthase plays a fundamental role in the biosynthesis of fatty acids. Several recent studies have demonstrated a high fatty acid synthase expression in malignant tumors. Few studies have been conducted in oral and salivary gland tumors describing the fatty acid synthase expression. METHODS This study evaluated and compared, by immunohistochemical reaction, the expression of fatty acid synthase and Ki-67 in salivary gland tumors. The immunohistochemical study used the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique, with antibodies anti-fatty acid synthase and anti-Ki-67. The fatty acid synthase was analyzed by scores, considering the intensity of labeling, quantity of labeled cells and histological component. The Ki-67 was analyzed by counting of one thousand cells, calculating the quantity of positive cells in regions with higher density of labeling. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson and Mann-Whitney correlation tests. RESULTS There was greater fatty acid synthase expression in pleomorphic adenoma compared to other tumors, and predominance of Ki-67 in malignant tumors. Among these, the mucoepidermoid carcinoma presented the highest proliferation rate. The expression of fatty acid synthase and Ki-67 did not present correlation between the tumors analyzed, except in pleomorphic adenomas, with statistically significant relationship between them. CONCLUSION It is suggested that the fat metabolism in salivary gland tumors is related to maintenance of cell differentiation. Its expression prevailed in benign tumors, while Ki-67 prevailed in the mucoepidermoid carcinoma, demonstrating its high proliferation rate, followed by the cystic adenoid carcinoma and polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma.

Nuclear β-Catenin in Basal Cell Adenomas

State Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Jose dos Campos Sch Dent, Dept Biosci & Oral Diag, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Guided Bone Regeneration With or Without a Collagen Membrane in Rats with Induced Diabetes Mellitus: Histomorphometric and Immunolocalization Analysis of Angiogenesis and Bone Turnover Markers.

PURPOSE Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects the processes of repair, wound healing, and bone remodeling. This study was conducted to evaluate autologous bone graft integration, either with or without guided bone regeneration, through analyzing the expression of bone reabsorption markers and neovascularization in rats suffering from DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups: The DM group received an injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg), and the control group received an injection of sterile saline. Fifteen days afterward, an autologous bone grafting was performed in each of their arches, with the insertion of a membrane into the left arch. Euthanasia occurred in 7, 21, or 60 days after the surgery. Bone samples were processed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS After a statistical analysis of the data, the presence of DM did not interfere negatively in the bone autograft repair. The collagen membrane favored the graft integration into the recipient bed and the bone neoformation around the graft. Greater vascularization was observed between 21 and 60 days after the surgery, which increased bone formation and resulted in the graft integration. Only the RANK marker showed a significant difference in the glycemic groups. Transglutaminase 2 was significant for the membrane presence and experimental time. CONCLUSION It is hence concluded that diabetes mellitus does not interfere with bone reabsorption via the RANK/RANKL/OPG. The graft integration was similar between the groups; however, the results of hyperglycemia with the collagen membrane indicate greater bone growth after graft placement.

Immunolocalization of markers for bone formation during guided bone regeneration in osteopenic rats

Objective The aim of this paper was to evaluate the repair of onlay autogenous bone grafts covered or not covered by an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane using immunohistochemistry in rats with induced estrogen deficiency. Material and Methods Eighty female rats were randomly divided into two groups: ovariectomized (OVX) and with a simulation of the surgical procedure (SHAM). Each of these groups was again divided into groups with either placement of an autogenous bone graft alone (BG) or an autogenous bone graft associated with an e-PTFE membrane (BGM). Animals were euthanized on days 0, 7, 21, 45, and 60. The specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry for bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteonectin (ONC), and osteocalcin (OCC). Results All groups (OVX+BG, OVX+BMG, SHAM+BG, and SHAM+BMG) showed greater bone formation, observed between 7 and 21 days, when BSP and ONC staining were more intense. At the 45-day, the bone graft showed direct bonding to the recipient bed in all specimens. The ONC and OCC showed more expressed in granulation tissue, in the membrane groups, independently of estrogen deficiency. Conclusions The expression of bone forming markers was not negatively influenced by estrogen deficiency. However, the markers could be influenced by the presence of the e-PTFE membrane.