Alveolar socket preservation technique: Effect of biomaterial on bone regenerative pattern

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Bone Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Limited data exists on the relationship between histomorphometry and bone metabolism markers.
• Understanding this correlation is crucial for optimizing bone regeneration techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate histological changes, protein expression, and gene activation of bone metabolism markers after alveolar ridge preservation using magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite (MgHA).
• To investigate the correlation between histomorphometric findings and molecular markers of bone metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Bone samples were collected from 15 patients pre- (T0) and post- (T1) MgHA grafting for analysis.
• Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis were performed for RANK, RANKL, OPG, IL-6, and TNF-α.
• Histomorphometric analysis of regenerated bone was conducted at T1.

Main Results:

• Gene expression for all evaluated markers increased non-significantly from T0 to T1.
• Significant increases in protein expression were observed for TNF-α, IL-6, RANK, and RANKL (p<0.05).
• No significant correlation was found between T1 histomorphometric features and T0 protein expression.

Conclusions:

• Alveolar ridge preservation with MgHA activates bone catabolism markers.
• The study highlights a lack of correlation between early protein expression and later histomorphometric outcomes in MgHA-treated sites.