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Human gingival fibroblast integrin subunit expression on titanium implant surfaces.
Thomas W Oates1, Steven C Maller, Jason West
1Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. oates@uthscsa.edu
Journal of Periodontology
|October 29, 2005
Summary
Titanium implant surface roughness affects gingival fibroblast cell shape but has minimal impact on integrin expression, crucial for soft tissue healing around dental implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Dental Implantology
Background:
- Integrin expression is vital for tissue healing and homeostasis.
- Dental implant success relies on osseous and soft tissue integration.
- Limited data exists on implant surface effects on soft tissue integrin expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate integrin expression in gingival fibroblasts on titanium surfaces.
- To determine the influence of titanium surface roughness on integrin expression and cell morphology.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human gingival fibroblasts on smooth and rough titanium, and plastic surfaces.
- Assessed integrin subunit mRNA via RT-PCR and protein levels via flow cytometry.
- Evaluated cell morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- All studied integrin subunits (alpha2, alpha4, alpha5, alpha(v), beta1) were expressed at mRNA and protein levels.
- Alpha4 and beta1 mRNA levels increased on smooth titanium compared to plastic.
- Rough titanium surfaces induced cell orientation along irregularities, unlike smooth surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Human gingival fibroblasts express multiple integrin subunits on titanium implant surfaces.
- Titanium surface roughness alters cell morphology but has limited effect on integrin expression.
- Findings offer insights into soft tissue-implant interactions for optimizing healing.